Orchiopexy for Testicle Torsion: Before Your Surgery
What is orchiopexy?
Orchiopexy (say "OR-kee-oh-peck-see") is a type of surgery. It fixes a problem called testicle torsion. This happens when a testicle twists and the cord that supplies blood to your testicle also twists. Then blood can no longer flow to the testicle.
To do the surgery, your doctor makes a cut in your scrotum. This cut is called an incision. Then the doctor untwists the cord. If the testicle looks healthy, your doctor will attach it to your scrotum with stitches. This will prevent the testicle and cord from twisting again. Your doctor also may attach the other testicle to the scrotum. This can keep it from twisting in the future.
If the testicle looks damaged, your doctor will probably remove it. Your doctor may replace it with a plastic prosthetic one. This keeps the shape of your scrotum close to what it was before the surgery.
In most cases, you will go home the same day. The incision will ooze fluid for 2 or 3 days. You may have some mild to moderate pain for several days. Your scrotum will be swollen for a few weeks.
If a testicle is removed, having only one testicle should not change your ability to get an erection or father a child.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
What happens on the day of surgery?
- Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
- Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
- Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
- Take off all jewellery and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.
At the hospital or surgery centre
- Bring a picture ID.
- The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors.
- You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.
When should you call your doctor?
- You have questions or concerns.
- You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery.
- You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
- You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the surgery.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter R538 in the search box to learn more about "Orchiopexy for Testicle Torsion: Before Your Surgery".
Current as of: November 15, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
