Orchiectomy: what it is, indications, types and recovery

Orchiectomy is surgery to remove one or both testicles, and is normally indicated for the diagnosis or treatment of testicular cancer, when there is clinical or laboratory suspicion of this type of cancer.

However, this type of surgery can also be indicated in cases of serious damage to the testicle when it is not possible to repair it, such as in cases of accidents or sports injuries, for example, or it can even be done for the transition of transgender people. , who intend to change from male to female.

Orchiectomy is carried out by a urological surgeon or oncological surgeon, in the hospital, with general or spinal anesthesia, and is offered free of charge by the SUS or can be carried out in private hospitals, and all medical recommendations must be followed for a good recovery.

When is it indicated

Orchiectomy is indicated in the following cases:

• Testicular cancer, for diagnosis or treatment;
• Benign non-testicular tumor;
• Breast cancer in men, for its prevention;
• Prostate cancer, to treat or prevent it from spreading to other organs;
• Serious damage to the testicles that cannot be repaired, due to trauma or accidents;
• Transition of trans people, from male to female.

Furthermore, this surgery may be recommended when the testicles have not descended after puberty or in cases of testicular torsion, for example. Understand what testicular torsion is.

Orchiectomy must be carried out with the recommendation of a urologist or oncologist, and can be performed by a urological or oncological surgeon.

Make an appointment with a urologist in the nearest region:

Types of orchiectomy

There are several types of orchiectomy, depending on the objective of the procedure:

1. Simple orchiectomy

In this type of surgery, one or both testicles are removed from a small cut in the scrotum, which can be done to treat breast or prostate cancer, in order to reduce the amount of testosterone that the body produces. Find out everything about prostate cancer.

2. Orquiectomia radical inguinal

Inguinal radical orchiectomy is performed by making a cut in the abdominal region and not in the scrotum. Generally, orchiectomy is performed in this way, when a nodule is found in a testicle, for example, in order to test this tissue and see if it has cancer, as a regular biopsy can cause it to spread throughout the body.

This procedure is also typically used for people who want to change their sex.

3. Orquiectomia subcapsular

In this procedure, the tissue inside the testicles, that is, the region that produces sperm and testosterone, is removed, preserving the testicular capsule, epididymis and spermatic cord.

4. Orquiectomia bilateral

Bilateral orchiectomy is a surgery in which both testicles are removed, which can happen in cases of prostate cancer, breast cancer or in people who intend to change sex. Learn more about gender dysphoria.

What is post-operative recovery like?

Generally, the person is discharged immediately after surgery, however, they must return to the hospital the following day to confirm that everything is ok. Recovery can take between 2 weeks to 2 months.

In the week following surgery, the doctor may recommend applying ice to the area to relieve swelling, washing the area with a mild soap, keeping the area dry and covered with gauze, using only creams and ointments recommended by the doctor. doctor and take painkillers and anti-inflammatories that reduce pain and inflammation.

You should also avoid making great efforts, lifting weights or having sexual intercourse until the incision has healed. If the person has difficulty having a bowel movement, they can try taking a mild laxative to avoid straining too much.

The doctor may also recommend the use of a scrotum support, which should be worn for about 2 days.

What are the consequences of orchiectomy

After removing the testicles, due to the reduction in testosterone, side effects such as osteoporosis, infertility, hot flashes, depression and erectile dysfunction are likely to occur.

It is very important to speak to your doctor if any of these effects occur, in order to establish solutions to maintain a good quality of life.