Orchidectomy
An
Operation for the Surgical Removal of the Testicles
Because
testosterone is made in the testicles an orchidectomy is the simplest
way of stopping its production. This will help to stop prostate
cancer from growing and may even cause it to shrink. Some men
prefer this operation to taking medication over a long period.
If you have been suffering from cancer-related pain it will be
relieved by an orchidectomy in most men for a period of time.
What
are the adverse side-effects of this operation?
Because an orchidectomy cannot be reversed, you
must consider the following permanent adverse side-effects before
giving your consent.
•
you will be impotent or unable to have an erection
•
you will lose your sex drive
•
you will be infertile
•
you will experience hot flushes (this is due to hormonal changes)
•
you will be left with little tissue in your scrotum (you can have
implants to overcome this)
What
does this operation involve and are there any risks?
This
operation is performed under a local or
general anaesthetic, so it carries a small risk
of anaesthetic complications. It can be done
as a day case but sometimes there may be an
overnight stay. There will be some pain in the
week after the operation which is usually
helped by painkilling tablets.
In the week after you have been discharged
from hospital you will probably have to visit
your GP's surgery to have the wound checked
by the nurse. If you are unable to do this a
district nurse will visit you at home. You should
take things easy in the first week and avoid
any heavy lifting. It is important to keep your
wound clean. Regular baths will help do this.
