Testicle Removal Surgery (Orchidectomy)

Orchidectomy is surgery to remove one or both testicles, most often to diagnose or treat testicular cancer.

For a suspected cancer, the usual operation removes the affected testicle through a cut in the groin rather than through the scrotum. The removed tissue is examined in a laboratory, which helps the oncology team plan any further care.

Before surgery, the team reviews scans, blood tests, medicines and your fitness for anaesthesia. During the operation you are asleep under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a groin incision, separates the testicle and spermatic cord, then closes the wound. A prosthetic testicle may be discussed if appearance is important to you.

Pain, bruising, swelling, tiredness and temporary numbness around the incision can occur. Removing one testicle often leaves enough testosterone and sperm production for sexual function and fertility, but this varies. Seek urgent medical advice for fever, worsening redness, pus, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, chest pain or shortness of breath.

The operation provides tissue that confirms the diagnosis and gives details used to stage the cancer. For many people it is the first treatment step; whether more treatment is needed depends on the cancer type, extent, test results and follow-up plan. Regular monitoring after surgery can identify changes that need attention.

The procedure may remove one testicle or both. Removing both testicles stops natural testosterone production, so hormone replacement is usually discussed. If future fertility matters, sperm banking can be considered before treatment begins.

A urology and oncology team may recommend orchidectomy when a testicular mass needs diagnosis or when testicular cancer is confirmed. It can also be considered for other serious testicular problems when removal is the safest management. The recommendation is individual and includes your other testicle, hormone levels, family plans and overall health.

You check in, meet the surgical and anaesthetic teams, and confirm consent. After anaesthesia, the surgeon performs the groin operation and sends the tissue for examination. In recovery, staff monitor pain, nausea, the dressing and your ability to pass urine before discharge or an overnight stay.

Plan for rest and support at home during the early recovery period. A scrotal support, comfortable underwear and prescribed pain relief can improve comfort. Keep the wound-care instructions, avoid strenuous lifting until your team says it is suitable, and attend the pathology and follow-up appointment.

All surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, reaction to anaesthesia, blood clots and delayed wound healing. There can also be scar sensitivity or a collection of blood or fluid in the scrotum. Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, allergies and previous anaesthetic problems before the operation.

Surgery is commonly used to establish the diagnosis for a suspicious testicular tumour, so simply watching a concerning mass is not usually a substitute. Depending on the pathology and stage, care after surgery can include surveillance, further surgery or systemic treatment. Your team explains why each option fits your situation.

Look for a urologist working with an oncology team that can arrange pathology review, fertility counselling, hormone assessment and follow-up. Bring a list of medicines and questions about work, exercise, intimacy and family planning. Ask who to contact if wound or hormone symptoms arise between appointments.