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Orchidectomy
Orchidectomy is a procedure in which a testicle is removed.
What concerns does it address?
When is it done?
Orchidectomy is done when a testicle needs to be removed because of disease or when it no longer functions: for a testicle that has died after torsion or severe inflammation, for chronic pain that does not go away with other treatment, for an atrophic undescended testicle in adulthood, and as part of hormonal treatment of prostate cancer. The decision is made at the examination, with an ultrasound result and, if needed, hormone tests.
How is it done?
For benign reasons it is done through an incision in the scrotum: the testicle is separated together with the epididymis, the vas deferens and blood vessels are tied off, and the testicle is removed. It takes 30–60 minutes, and you go home the same day or after one night. The removed tissue is always sent for analysis.
When is the procedure not suitable?
When a testicular tumour is suspected, the procedure is not done at the polyclinic and you are referred to a hospital, because in that case the testicle is removed through the groin, with further oncological work-up. It is not done while there is active inflammation of the scrotum, until it has cleared up. When a testicle is removed for hormonal reasons, the procedure is done only after a decision made together with the doctor managing the treatment and, where needed, with a psychological assessment.
General reasons for postponing a procedure (inflammation, a clotting disorder, smoking): When is a procedure postponed?
Anaesthesia
Before a procedure under general or regional anaesthesia, you are seen by the anaesthetist, who works full time at the clinic; the same doctor is also present during the procedure. The anaesthetic assessment and the anaesthesia for larger operations are included in the price of the procedure. What happens before, during and after anaesthesia is described on the Anaesthesia page.
Risks
Expected, and rare but serious → Risks and complications: what is the course of healing, and what is a complication?
Specialist and team
Specialty: urology — examinations, diagnostics and procedures.
When the procedure is done under sedation or general anaesthesia, the anaesthesia is led by a specialist in anaesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care who works full time at the clinic.
In the operating theatre, the surgeon is assisted by head nurse Martina Šereg, with the help of nurses Kristina Jurešić and Mateja Tomorad, and in recovery the care assistant Mirjana Kovačić is with you. Martina also looks after preparation, scheduling and contact after the procedure.
Who will operate is decided at the examination, based on the findings and the type of procedure. You know the name of the surgeon before the procedure and meet them at the examination.
What happens at the examination?
A urological examination has two parts: a conversation about your symptoms, past illnesses and medicines, and a clinical examination. Depending on the findings, an ultrasound is done straight away, in the same visit, if needed. You receive the findings at the examination.
What if the result is not as agreed?
The result of a procedure is assessed at a follow-up visit, once the swelling has gone down and the scar has matured, not in the first weeks. If it differs from what was agreed at the examination, the same surgeon carries out the correction.
→ Poliklinika Barbel's correction policy
In the same visit
- Testicular implant — an implant can be placed in the same procedure as the removal of the testicle.
Frequently asked questions
Is an implant placed in the same procedure? It can be, if there is no inflammation and if you decided on it before the procedure. When removal is for inflammation, the implant is placed in a separate procedure, on average three to six months later, once the tissue has healed.
Does removing one testicle affect potency and fertility? The remaining healthy testicle as a rule takes over the production of testosterone and sperm, so potency and fertility do not change. When both testicles are removed, hormone replacement is needed and is agreed before the procedure.
Can an implant be placed later? Yes. If you do not decide on an implant at the time of the procedure, it can be placed in a separate, short procedure whenever you wish.
Where is the scar? On the scrotum, on average three to four centimetres, hidden in a skin fold. When removal is through the groin, the scar is in the groin.
How much does the result depend on care after the procedure? The larger the procedure, the more it depends on it, but it always does. Healing takes weeks and months and happens almost entirely at home, so the instructions you receive when you go home, about the wound, physical activity and the scar, are part of the procedure, not a recommendation.
Medical review: doctors of Poliklinika Barbel · October 2026.