HF 4618

Orchiectomy

Orchiectomy is the removal of one or both testicles. Testicles can be removed due to cancer, pain or injury. A radical orchiectomy is the removal of the entire testicle and spermatic cord. A simple orchiectomy is the removal of the testicle only. If one testicle is removed, you will have a groin incision on that side. If both testes are removed, you will have a scrotal incision.


After Surgery

  • You will have gauze dressing over the wound. Change every day and if it gets wet or soiled.

  • If you have a small drain in the scrotum, it will be taken out in 1-2 days.

  • It is normal to have bruising and swelling.

  • You may develop a marble sized “knot” in your scrotum where the testicle was removed. It may or may not go away. This is normal. If it is from the stitches, it may go away after several weeks or months. If it is scar tissue, it will not.

  • You will get medicine for pain.


Incision Care

  • Wear a scrotal supporter for 3 days. This can help decrease swelling.

  • Keep wound dry for 3 days, then you may shower.

  • Wash incision with mild soap and water. Rinse well and gently pat dry.

  • No hot tubs, bathtubs, or swimming pools until your incision is healed.

  • Check your wound each day for signs of infection.


Signs of Infection

  • Increase in redness or warmth.

  • Pus-like drainage.

  • Pain not controlled with pain pills.

  • A bruise that gets worse each day.

  • Excess bleeding.

  • Excess swelling.

  • Temperature greater than 100.5º F by mouth for 2 readings, taken 4 hours apart.


Activity

  • No heavy activity for 7 days. Moderate walking is ok.

  • Do not lift more than 10 pounds for 7 days.


Diet

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery.

  • After surgery you may resume your normal diet.

  • Drink 8–10 glasses of fluid a day to aid healing.

  • Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours or if you are taking narcotic pain pills.


Follow-Up

You will have an incision check in 7-14 days. This visit will be made for you before you go home.


Who to Call

Urology Clinic
(608) 263-4757

After hours, weekends and holidays the clinic phone number will be answered by the paging operator. Ask for the urology doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.

Toll-free number: 1-800-323-8942.