Orchiectomy
Orchiectomy is the removal of one or both testicles. This done to treat cancer or, for other reasons, to lower the level of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. If the testicle is removed because of a tumor that is suspect for cancer, you will have a groin wound on that side. If both testes are removed for prostate cancer, 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 support 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 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
The day of surgery, eat lightly. For instance, eat soup, crackers, and plenty of clear liquids. The next day you may eat whatever you would like.
Drink 8 – 10 glasses of fluid a day to aid healing.
Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours or as long as you are taking narcotic pain pills.
Follow-Up
You will see your doctor 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.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 11/11/2011
Copyright © 07/29/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4618
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