Orchiectomy

Orchiectomy is the removal of one or both testicles. Testicles can be removed due to cancer, pain or injury. A radical orchiectomy is removal of the entire testicle and spermatic cord. A simple orchiectomy is removal of the testicle only. If one testicle is removed you will have a groin wound 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 this at least daily and if it gets wet. 

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

• It is common to have scrotal 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 a normal. If it is a reaction to the stitches it may go away after weeks or months. If it is scar tissue it will not.

• You will have pain pills for pain.

Incision Care

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

Keep your wound dry for 3 days. Then, you may shower. Wash your incision with a mild soap and water. Rinse well and gently pat dry. No hot tubs, bathtubs, or swimming pools until your incision is healed. That may be 2 weeks or longer. 

Check your wound daily for signs of infection. 

• Increasing redness or warmth of wound

• Pus-like drainage 

• Pain not controlled with pain pills

• A bruise that is getting worse each day

• Excess bleeding

• Excess swelling

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

Activity 

• Do nothing more strenuous than moderate walking for 7 days

• 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 eat whatever you like

• 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.

Phone Number

Urology Clinic: (608) 263-4757

After hours, weekends and holidays this connects to the message center. 

Ask for the urology doctor on call or the doctor on call for Dr. ________________. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.

Toll Free: 1-800-323-8942.