Radical Inguinal Orchiectomy for Testicular Cancer
Risks
Orchiectomy surgery is relatively low-risk, and complications are uncommon. But orchiectomy carries all the risks of any major surgery, including:
- Reactions to anesthesia or medicines.
- Infection.
- Bleeding.
Bilateral orchiectomy (removal of both testes) is rarely done and carries the possibility of side effects. They are related to the loss of testosterone following the removal of both testes. These include:
- Reference Infertility Opens New Window.
- Loss of sexual interest.
- Erection problems.
- Reference Hot flashes Opens New Window.
- Breast enlargement (gynecomastia).
- Weight gain.
- Loss of muscle mass.
- Reference Osteoporosis Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 13, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
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