Orchidectomy: Removal of the testicles in Istanbul Turkey 2024

What is an orchidectomy?

Orchiectomy is the surgical removal of one or both testicles. There are two types of orchiectomy:

• Unilateral orchiectomy: removal of one testicle.
• Bilateral orchiectomy: removal of both testicles.

Orchiectomy is mainly performed in the following cases:

• Testicular cancer: the most common treatment for this type of cancer.
• Tuberculosis of the testis or epididymis: when the disease does not respond to antibiotics.
• Ischemic necrosis of the testis: caused by torsion of the spermatic cord (surgical emergency).
• Other conditions: chronic testicular pain, gender dysphoria.

Orchidectomy can be performed via the scrotal or inguinal route. The procedure involves ligation of the vas deferens and testicular blood vessels, removal of the epididymis, and then removal of the testis itself.

Causes of testicle removal

As a testicular resection, orchiectomy is performed when pathology has irreparably compromised the integrity of the testicle.

The most common causes of orchiectomy include:

• Testicular cancer: This is the major cause leading to orchiectomy. The cancerous tumor develops from the germ cells responsible for sperm production. This uncontrolled growth forms a tumor mass that must be removed to stop the progression of the cancer.
• Infection or abscess: A serious testicular infection that cannot be cured with antibiotics may require orchiectomy to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the body.
• Trauma to the testes: In rare cases, severe trauma to the testes can cause irreparable damage, requiring orchiectomy.

Risk factors for testicular cancer

Risk factors for testicular cancer include:

• Personal or family history of testicular cancer
• Infertility
• Prenatal disease or hypogonadism syndrome (testicular malformation)
• Testicular tumors can be fatal, in part because they can metastasize.

Warning signs

Symptoms that may indicate the need for an orchiectomy include:

• Testicular mass or lump.
• Testicular pain.
• Testicular swelling.
• Change in testicular consistency (hardening or softening).
• Feeling of heaviness or weight in the scrotum.
• Reduction in testicular size.
• Infertility.

Prevention and early detection

While there is no effective way to prevent testicular cancer, regular medical checkups can help detect the disease at an early stage. Monthly testicular self-examinations can help detect any abnormalities, and if in doubt, consult a doctor.

Early diagnosis of testicular cancer greatly increases the chances of recovery.

Do not hesitate to consult a doctor in Turkey if you notice any unusual symptoms in your testicles.

Pre-operative phase

Before undergoing an orchiectomy, it is highly recommended that you quit smoking at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to surgery. It is also important to be aware that undergoing an orchiectomy and subsequent treatment may reduce the chances of fertility. Therefore, it is advisable to consider preserving sperm samples through a prior surgical procedure.

Before the orchiectomy, your urological surgeon will explain the pathology and surgical procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have. In addition, the surgeon will perform the necessary diagnostics, analysis, and tests to minimize the risk of complications.

The expected medical stay for an orchiectomy in Turkey may require one to several days of hospitalization, depending on the patient's health, at one of our top clinics in Turkey.

Management of testicular cancer in Turkey

In Turkey, the treatment of early stage testicular cancer is mainly based on orchiectomy. In the majority of cases, this is the only treatment necessary, followed by strict medical surveillance to ensure no recurrence.

For more advanced cases, additional treatment is essential. The type of additional treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the characteristics of the tumor. Options that may be considered include

• Chemotherapy: Intravenous administration of drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Use of high-energy X-rays to target and eliminate cancer cells.
• Surgery: Removal of lymph nodes or other tissues affected by the cancer.

Orchidectomy process in Turkey

Orchiectomy is performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. The surgeon makes an incision in the groin and removes the diseased testicle. At the patient's request, a silicone testicular implant may be placed for aesthetic reasons.

Removal of a single testicle generally does not affect a man's libido or sexual function. On the other hand, the removal of both testicles leads to a drop in testosterone production, rendering the man sterile.

With Turquie Santé, you'll have access to care in state-of-the-art clinics with cutting-edge equipment and urologists highly skilled in the treatment of testicular cancer. Their rigorous training and extensive experience allows them to perform surgical techniques that minimize the risk of nerve damage, thus preserving the patient's ejaculatory function.

Please contact us to learn more about testicular cancer treatment options in Turkey and to receive a personalized quote.

Testicular removal: Side effects

As with any surgical procedure, orchiectomy may have the following risks and side effects:

• Infection of the surgical site.
• Bleeding and pain.
• Bruising and accumulation of blood in the wound area.
• Hot flushes.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation.
• Fertility problems.
• Weight gain.
• Decreased libido.

Consult your surgeon in Turkey if you experience any of these side effects specifically related to orchiectomy surgery so that you can alleviate your problems as soon as possible.

Orchiectomy: A life-saving operation

Although orchiectomy is a significant loss, it's important to remember that it can be life-saving in cases of severe testicular pathology.

Removal of one testicle does not necessarily affect fertility, as a single testicle is usually sufficient to produce healthy sperm. Hormone replacement therapy may also be considered to compensate for the loss of testosterone production.

If you have been diagnosed with an orchiectomy, it's important to ask your doctor about the different treatment and support options available.