Orchiectomy

Inguinal orchiectomy is a surgery that involves surgically removing the testicle through an incision in the groin. This procedure can be performed for a variety of medical reasons, including treating testicular cancer.

Before surgery:

1. Medical consultation: The decision to have an inguinal orchiectomy is made after a consultation with a specialist surgeon. During this visit, the reasons for the surgery, the risks and benefits, as well as the post-operative process, will be discussed;
2. Preliminary examinations: before surgery, tests such as blood tests, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tests are likely to be performed to assess the general health and function of the testicles;
3. Preparation: Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on what to do before surgery, which may include guidance on diet, medications to avoid, and other guidelines to reduce the risk of complications.

During surgery:

• Anesthesia: inguinal orchiectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia or;
• Procedure: During surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the groin to access the testicles. Once exposed, the testicles will be removed, and the incision will be sutured;
• Duration: Inguinal orchiectomy surgery usually takes about an hour, but the exact time depends on the specifics of the case and any complications.

After surgery:

• Hospitalization: After surgery, medical staff will monitor the patient in the recovery room before being transferred to a patient room. In some cases, a short hospital stay may be required, but often, the patient may return home on the same day of surgery;
• Recovery: It is expected to experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the groin area after surgery. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication and provide instructions on how to care for the wound and reduce discomfort;
• Beware of complications: it is essential to carefully monitor any signs of infection or other post-operative complications, such as excessive bleeding or hematoma formation;
• Physical activity: During recovery, the patient will likely need to limit strenuous physical activity and lift weights until they are fully healed. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance on when it is safe to resume normal daily activities;
• Follow-up: It is essential to follow the surgeon's instructions for follow-up check-ups and examinations to ensure that healing is progressing as planned and that there are no complications.

Risks and complications:

Like any surgery, inguinal orchiectomy carries some risks and complications, including:

• Wound infection
• Hemorrhage and hematoma formation
• Chronic pain
• Injury to blood vessels or nerves
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Infertility (if both testicles are removed)

Risks associated with non-execution of the intervention

The risks associated with not performing an inguinal orchiectomy depend on the specific medical conditions that require the surgery. Here are some scenarios in which not performing an inguinal orchiectomy can pose risks:

• Testicular cancer: If surgery was recommended due to a malignant tumor of the testicles, failure to remove the affected testicle could allow the cancer to continue to spread and progress. This could lead to severe complications, including metastasis to other parts of the body, resulting in reduced treatment options and prognosis;
• Benign conditions of the reproductive system: In some cases, inguinal orchiectomy may be recommended to treat other conditions that cause significant symptoms or health risks. Failure to perform the surgery could mean that the patient continues to experience debilitating symptoms or that complications associated with the untreated condition occur;
• Pain and discomfort: In some cases, failure to perform inguinal orchiectomy may result in chronic pain or other symptoms that affect the patient's quality of life. This can include problems such as chronic inflammation of the testicles or vas deferens, which may require additional treatment or cause long-term discomfort.

Conclusions:

Inguinal orchiectomy is a surgical procedure that can have important implications for an individual's physical health and emotional well-being. It is crucial to carefully discuss with the surgeon the reasons for the surgery, the risks, and the benefits, and to follow the post-operative instructions for a safe and effective recovery.

Failure to perform an inguinal orchiectomy when indicated can result in several risks to the patient's physical, psychological, and social health, depending on the specific medical condition. It is essential to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery carefully with your doctor to make informed decisions about your health.