Orchidectomy
An orchidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both testicles (bilateral orchidectomy).
What is an orchidectomy?
An orchidectomy, the removal of one or both testicles (bilateral orchidectomy), is usually performed if you have been diagnosed with a testicular tumour. This is because testosterone produced in the testicles can promote the growth of prostate and breast cancer. It is also performed if you have experienced an injury or infection in your testicle(s).
Transgender women may choose to have an orchidectomy as part of their transition from male to female.
What happens during an orchidectomy?
An orchidectomy is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes about 30 minutes. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your scrotum or groin. They will remove your testicle(s) and close any wounds with dissolvable stitches.
You may have the option of having prosthesis (fake testicle) inserted during your procedure. Be sure and discuss this with your surgeon.
Immediately following surgery you will be taken to a recovery area. Nurses will monitor your blood pressure and pulse until you are fully awake. You will then be taken to a ward.
Recovery from orchidectomy
We will give you pain relief medication. Let us know if you are still in any pain or discomfort. You may be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
Some patients can go home the evening after their surgery, however you may need to spend one night in hospital.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home on your day of discharge. You should continue to take any pain relief medication when you're home as prescribed.
You will be able to take a daily shower but should avoid a bath until your wound is fully healed.
It's normal to experience swelling and bruising for the first few weeks after surgery. Wearing a scrotal support or a firm pair of underpants should ease some discomfort.
If you experience any increase in redness about your wound or your wound begins to leak please call a member of our healthcare team.
You should avoid any heavy lifting, riding a bicycle and active sports activities for 2-4 weeks after your procedure. Please discuss your return to work and when you can resume driving with your consultant.
If you have been diagnosed with a tumour you may need to return to hospital for follow-up scans, blood tests or further treatment. Your consultant will advise if this is necessary in your first post-surgery review appointment.
Risks
Specific complications of an orchidectomy may include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Change is body appearance
- Continued scrotal pain
- Need for further treatment
Select a region to find a hospital
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Bournemouth
01202 29186667 Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1RW
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Brentwood
01277 695695Shenfield Road, Brentwood, CM15 8EH
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Brighton
01273 624 488Warren Road, Brighton, BN2 6DX
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Bristol
0117 906 48703 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1BN
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Cambridge
01223 370 9224 Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AF
CQCOverall ratingOutstanding -
Cardiff and Vale
02920 836700The Vale Hospital, Hensol Castle Park, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JX
NONEOverall rating -
Cheltenham
01242 246574Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6SY
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Chester
01244 680 444Wrexham Road, Chester, CH4 7QP
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Chichester
01243 53060078 Broyle Road, Chichester, PO19 6WB
CQCOverall ratingOutstanding -
Derby
01332 540100Rykneld Road, Derby, DE23 4SN
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Glasgow
0141 334 944125 Beaconsfield Road, Glasgow, G12 0PJ
HISOverall ratingGood -
Guildford
01483 555 800Stirling Road, Guildford, GU2 7RF
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Haywards Heath
01444 456999Burrell Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1UD
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Hereford
01432 355 131Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DF
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Ipswich
01473 279100Foxhall Road, Ipswich, IP4 5SW
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Newcastle upon Tyne
01912 816 131Clayton Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 1JP
CQCOverall ratingGood -
North Staffordshire
01782 432227Clayton Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 4DB
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital
020 3386 900038 Giltspur Street, London, EC1A 7BS
Overall rating -
Oxford
01865 307777Beech Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7RP
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Parkside
020 8971 800053 Parkside, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5NX
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Plymouth
01752 775 861Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BG
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Shrewsbury
01743 282500Longden Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 9DP
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Tees
01642 360 100Junction Road, Norton, Stockton on Tees, TS20 1PX
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Tunbridge Wells
01892 531 111Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4UL
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Warwickshire
01926 427971The Chase, Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa, CV32 6RW
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Wessex
02380 266 377Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, SO53 2DW
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Woking
01483 227800Shores Road, Woking, GU21 4BY
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Wolverhampton
0300 1311406Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE
CQCOverall ratingGood -
York
01904 233225Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
CQCOverall ratingGood
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