Orchidectomy

1. What is Orchidectomy?

Orchidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of one testicle (unilateral orchidectomy) or both testicles (bilateral orchidectomy).

Depending on the condition, the procedure may be performed through an incision in the groin (inguinal approach) or, in selected non-cancer conditions, through the scrotum.

2. When is Orchidectomy Recommended?

Orchidectomy may be recommended for:

• Testicular cancer
• Suspicious testicular masses
• Severely damaged or non-functioning testicle
• Severe testicular infection in selected cases
• Testicular torsion with irreversible damage
• Selected hormone-sensitive cancers requiring surgical hormone suppression
• Gender-affirming care where medically and legally appropriate

The reason for surgery determines the appropriate surgical technique and further treatment.

3. What Tests Are Required Before Surgery?

Evaluation may include:

• Physical examination
• Scrotal ultrasound
• Blood tests
• Tumour markers for suspected testicular cancer, such as AFP, beta-hCG and LDH
• CT scan for cancer staging where required
• Chest imaging
• Hormonal assessment in selected cases
• Anaesthesia and surgical evaluation

These investigations help confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.

4. What Does the Orchidectomy Procedure Involve?

The general treatment process includes:

Urology evaluation → Ultrasound and diagnostic testing → Tumour-marker assessment where required → Surgical planning → Preoperative evaluation → Anaesthesia → Removal of the affected testicle → Pathology examination → Postoperative monitoring → Recovery → Further treatment planning where necessary

For suspected testicular cancer, an inguinal radical orchidectomy is commonly performed to remove the testicle through the groin.

5. What Types of Orchidectomy Are Performed?

Depending on the medical condition, the procedure may include:

• Simple orchidectomy
• Radical inguinal orchidectomy
• Partial testis-sparing surgery in highly selected cases
• Bilateral orchidectomy

The appropriate procedure is determined by the diagnosis and specialist assessment.

6. How Long Does Surgery and Recovery Take?

The procedure commonly takes approximately 30–90 minutes, depending on the surgical approach.

Typical recovery may include:

• Hospital stay: often same-day discharge or approximately 1–2 days
• Initial recovery: approximately 1–2 weeks
• Return to routine activities: often within several weeks
• Follow-up: pathology review and further treatment planning where required

Recovery varies depending on the reason for surgery and individual health.

7. What Are the Expected Benefits and Outcomes?

Depending on the condition, orchidectomy may help:

• Remove testicular cancer or a suspicious tumour
• Provide tissue for accurate pathological diagnosis
• Treat a severely damaged testicle
• Control hormone production when bilateral surgery is medically indicated
• Relieve symptoms associated with the affected testicle

Further treatment may be required depending on the underlying diagnosis.

8. What Are the Risks or Considerations?

Potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain or swelling
• Haematoma
• Changes in body image
• Fertility concerns
• Hormonal effects after bilateral orchidectomy
• Need for testosterone replacement after removal of both testicles in appropriate patients
• Need for further cancer treatment

Fertility preservation should be discussed before treatment when relevant.

9. Why Consider Orchidectomy in India?

India has specialised urology and uro-oncology centres offering:

• Advanced ultrasound and cancer imaging
• Experienced urologists and uro-oncologists
• Testicular cancer management
• Fertility-preservation counselling
• Medical and radiation oncology where required
• Comprehensive postoperative follow-up

10. How Can Medavelle Help and What Should the Patient Do Next?

Medavelle can assist with:

Medical-record review → Urology/uro-oncology specialist coordination → Hospital selection → Surgical evaluation → Treatment planning → Cost estimation → International patient arrangements.

Next step: Share ultrasound, tumour-marker & imaging reports → Urology specialist evaluation → Diagnosis confirmation → Personalised surgical planning → Orchidectomy where recommended → Pathology review → Further treatment and follow-up.