Caring for Your Child after Orchiectomy

Orchiectomy is the removal of one or both testicles.  This is done to remove a testicle that did not develop correctly, to treat cancer or to lower the level of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.  Your child may have a groin incision or three laparoscopic sites following the procedure.

 

After Surgery

 

• Your child will have a dressing over the wound.  Change this at least daily and if it gets wet.
• If your child has a small drain in the scrotum, it will be taken out in the office in 1-2 days.
• It is common to have scrotal bruising and swelling.
• Your child may develop a marble sized “knot” in his 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.
• Your child may have pain pills for pain.  You may use Tylenol^® as directed on the bottle.

 

Incision Care

 

Your child may wear a scrotal support for 3 days.  This can help decrease swelling.

 

Keep the wound dry for 3 days.  Then, your child may shower.  Wash the incision with a mild soap and water.  Rinse well and gently pat dry.  No hot tubs, bathtubs, or swimming pools until after your post op visit in the clinic. 

Check your child’s 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 101º 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, your child should eat lightly.  For instance, soup, crackers, and plenty of clear liquids.  The next day your child may eat whatever he would like.  

 

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

 

Follow-Up

 

Your child will see his doctor ior nurse practitioner in 7-14 days.  This visit will be made for your child before you go home.

 

Phone Number

 

Pediatric Urology Clinic:  (608) 263-6420

 

After hours, weekends and holidays this number 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: 09/16/2011

Copyright © 09/16/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6806

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