Having an orchidectomy

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1 Patient Information Having an orchidectomy Author: Urology Produced and designed by the Communications Team Issue date Oct Review date Oct Expiry date Oct 2019 Version 3 Ref no. PILCOM1606

2 What is an orchidectomy? An orchidectomy is the removal of a testicle. What does the operation involve? An orchidectomy is performed under general anaesthetic (you will be asleep). You may only need to stay in hospital for the day or in some circumstances overnight. The operation will involve making a small incision (cut) in your groin (the lower part of the abdomen) just above the leg. This will allow the urologist (doctor) to remove your testicle. Dissolvable stitches will be used to close your wound. They can take up to 90 days to disperse. As soon as your doctor confi rms you are well enough to go home you will be able to leave the hospital providing you have someone to collect you and be with you for the fi rst 24 hours after your discharge. You may eat and drink when you are fully recovered from the anaesthetic. You can expect to feel some discomfort in your groin and scrotum so please take the pain relief you are given. Do expect some bruising in your groin and scrotal area. You may fi nd it more comfortable to wear supportive pants such a Y-fronts instead of boxers. You can bath and shower 24 hours after your operation, but make sure you dry your wound thoroughly by gently dabbing the area. Is a replacement testicle a possibility? Depending on why your testicle has needed to be removed, it may be possible to have an implant, a prosthetic (artifi cial) testicle fi tted at the time of the surgery. The doctor will discuss your options with you in more detail when you come in for your surgery. 2

3 Will this surgery affect my sex life and ability to father children? This is an obvious concern for many men who are about to have this operation. As long as your other testicle is healthy the removal of one testicle will not affect your sexual performance and seldom affects the ability to father children. The remaining testicle will continue to produce testosterone and sperm. If your testicle is being removed because you have cancer, and you need radiotherapy or chemotherapy, then we will discuss their possible effects on your fertility with you. In most circumstances we can arrange for you to have sperm banking before you start this additional treatment. What happens after the operation? You will have swelling, bruising and discomfort for a few days. You will be given a supply of pain relief and a scrotal support which should be worn for 1-2 weeks. You will be given a letter to give to your GP. If you need a sick certificate please ask a nurse. Usually two weeks away from work is advised. If your job is physical you may need longer. Once home you should avoid any heavy lifting for at least three to four weeks. You may feel tired for a few days, and may benefi t by taking some rest. If your scrotum becomes very bruised or swollen avoid standing for long periods as this may increase your discomfort. A daily warm bath or shower is recommended, however you should try to avoid soap / shower gel near the stitch line (clean water only). Bubble bath or bath oils should not be used. You must dry the area thoroughly with a soft towel or use a hair dryer on a warm setting. It is common to notice a slight ooze of blood or straw-coloured fl uid (normal body fl uid); you may need to change the gauze inside the support regularly. If your wound becomes hot, red, swollen or leaks any fluid then contact your GP, as these signs may indicate an infection. 3

4 You will have an outpatient appointment two weeks after your surgery. At this appointment we will be able to inform you of your precise diagnosis. Most people fi nd it helpful to bring someone along to this appointment as you may be given a lot of information. If you have any questions it may help to write them down and bring them with you. Will I need further treatment? If your testicle is being removed because you have cancer you may require further treatment after surgery. Before this decision is made further investigations are required. The blood test that was done before your operation will be repeated. You will also need a CT scan, which is a type of x-ray, to establish if your cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Once we have all the test result we will send you an appointment to see a consultant medical oncologist (cancer specialist), who will have established if further treatment is recommended. What happens if I need further treatment? For a large proportion of men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer further treatment will involve regular visits to the hospital with repeat blood tests, chest x-rays and on occasions CT scans. This will allow us to monitor your condition closely. You should examine your remaining testicle on a monthly basis and we will provide you with a leafl et instructing how this should be done. If there is evidence that your cancer has spread or that there is a very high risk that it may spread then chemotherapy may be recommended. This will all be discussed with you in more detail when you see the doctor. 4

5 Are other men in my family at risk of testicular cancer? The causes of testicular cancer remain unknown, but there are a number of risk factors including: Having a father or brother with testicular cancer. Having undescended or late descending testes, (where the testicle does not drop into the sac). Having previously had testicular cancer on the opposite side. Environmental factors and viral infections involving the testes. If there is anything you have been told, or have read any thing that you do not understand, or you just wish to ask further questions then please contact your urology nurse specialist on ext We encourage all men to examine their testicles for lumps on a monthly basis, and can provide you with a leafl et offering advice on how to do this. Useful website addresses

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8 Not to be photocopied Basildon University Hospital Nethermayne Basildon Essex SS16 5NL Minicom Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) E pals@btuh.nhs.uk W The Trust will not tolerate aggression, intimidation or violence directed towards its staff. This is a smokefree Trust. Smoking is not allowed in any of our hospital buildings or grounds. This information can be provided in a different language or format (for example, large print or audio version) on request.