WHAT IS RADICAL ORCHIDECTOMY?
Radical Orchidectomy refers to the surgical removal of the testicle and the leash of blood vessels (called spermatic cord) leading to and from the testicle.
WHAT IS THE INDICATION FOR A RADICAL ORCHIDECTOMY?
The principle reason for a radical orchidectomy is when a diagnosis of testicular cancer has been made. Dr Vasudevan will have done all the appropriate tests and investigations to come to this diagnosis prior to scheduling the operation.
WHAT DOES A RADICAL ORCHIDECTOMY INVOLVE?
A radical orchidectomy is done under a general anesthetic in hospital. It will require an overnight stay in hospital.
You will be asked to fast for 6 hours prior to the procedure. When you arrive at the hospital, the nurses will admit you and get you prepared for the procedure.
Prior to you being taken to the operating room and with you fully awake, Dr Vasudevan will confirm with you the testicle that needs to be removed. Dr Vasudevan will also place a mark on the testicle so that both of you are certain and agree that the correct testicle is going to be removed.
You will be taken to the operating room when your turn for the procedure has arrived.
The anesthetist will give you medications to get you off to sleep completely. Once you are asleep Dr Vasudevan will clean the required area with anti-septic solution such as betadine. An incision is then done in the groin on the same side as the testicle to be removed. The leash of blood vessels (spermatic cord) that runs to and from the testicle in this area is identified and clamped. The testicle to be removed is then delivered from the scrotal sac to the groin wound. Once this is done both the testicle and the spermatic cord are removed together.
The testis and cord are then sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
The spermatic cord that is clamped is tied off with sutures. The groin wound is also closed in 2 layers with appropriate dissolvable sutures.
Once the procedure has been completed you will be taken to the recovery area, where you will be kept under observation till you are fully awake.
Once fully awake, you will be taken to the ward. Dr Vasudevan will review you the following day and if you are feeling well, you will be discharged home.