Orchidectomy

Orchidectomy (also known as orchiectomy or castration) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both of the testicles in males. This procedure is commonly performed to treat testicular cancer or prostate cancer, or as part of gender confirmation surgery.

Indications

Orchidectomy is indicated in several medical conditions, including:

• Testicular cancer: Orchidectomy is the primary treatment for this type of cancer. The affected testicle is removed to prevent the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.
• Prostate cancer: In advanced cases, an orchidectomy may be performed to decrease the levels of testosterone, which can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.
• Gender confirmation surgery: For transgender women, an orchidectomy may be performed as part of the transition process.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. A small incision is made in the groin area, and the testicle is removed through this incision. The spermatic cord, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and the vas deferens, is also cut. The incision is then closed with stitches.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, an orchidectomy carries certain risks and potential complications, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Changes in sexual function
• Psychological effects

Aftercare

After an orchidectomy, patients may need to take hormone replacement therapy to replace the testosterone that the testicles were producing. Regular follow-up appointments are also necessary to monitor the patient's recovery and to check for any signs of recurrence of the cancer.

See Also

• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Gender confirmation surgery
• Hormone replacement therapy

Orchidectomy Resources
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