Surgery Overview
Orchiectomy is the removal of the testicles.
The penis and the scrotum, the pouch of skin that holds the testicles, are left
intact. An orchiectomy is done to stop most of the body's production of
testosterone, which
prostate cancer usually needs in order to continue
growing.
- Simple orchiectomy is the removal of both testicles through a cut (incision) in the front of the scrotum. If desired, artificial testicles (saline implants) can be put into the scrotum.
- Subcapsular orchiectomy is the removal of the tissue from the lining of the testicles where testosterone is made. This leaves a nearly normal-looking scrotum.
These methods work equally well for stopping the production of testosterone by the testicles. These surgeries are about as complicated as a vasectomy and take less than 30 minutes.
What To Expect After Surgery
Orchiectomy can be done as an
outpatient procedure or with a short hospital stay. You can typically resume regular activities in 1 to 2 weeks. And you can expect a full recovery in
2 to 4 weeks.
Why It Is Done
Orchiectomy may help relieve
symptoms, prevent complications, and prolong survival for
advanced prostate cancer. Radiation treatment is
sometimes needed also.
How Well It Works
Orchiectomy often causes the tumor
to shrink and relieves bone pain.
This surgery does not cure
prostate cancer, although it may prolong survival.
Risks
Orchiectomy causes sudden hormone changes in the
body. Side effects from hormone changes may include:
- Sterility.
- Loss of sexual
interest.
- Erection problems.
- Hot
flashes.
- Larger breasts (gynecomastia).
- Weight
gain.
- Loss of muscle mass.
- Thin or brittle bones (osteoporosis).
What To Think About
Testosterone levels in the body can be lowered in two ways, either with surgery or with hormone therapy. Having surgery (an orchiectomy) is a permanent way to lower testosterone. Hormone therapy (using medicines) is not permanent, so a man will need to keep taking pills or having shots to keep his testosterone levels low.
Some men choose to have reconstructive
surgery after an orchiectomy. For this, the surgeon replaces the testicles with
artificial testicles.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerChristopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology