Orchiectomy
Orchiectomy, also known as orchidectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove one or both testes. A unilateral orchiectomy removes one testis and is commonly performed for suspected or confirmed testicular cancer or as part of gender-affirming care in transgender women. A bilateral orchiectomy removes both testes and results in permanent infertility and a substantial reduction in testosterone. In cancer care, the operation is typically performed via an inguinal approach with high ligation of the spermatic cord to minimize the risk of spreading tumor cells; a scrotal incision is generally avoided when malignancy is suspected.
Indications include treatment of testicular cancer, where orchiectomy provides diagnostic tissue and local control, and androgen
The procedure is usually done under general or regional anesthesia. For unilateral removal, patients typically recover
Outcomes depend on the underlying reason for surgery. In testicular cancer, orchiectomy is usually the first