Testicular Exploration

What is a testicular exploration?

A testicular exploration is a procedure that involves opening the groin or scrotum to examine a man's testicle. The scrotum is the pouch that holds the testicles. The testicles are the male sex glands that produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone.

When is it used?

Reasons for doing this procedure include:

• The testicle may be painful and swollen.
• The testicle may be infected or twisted.
• Taking a sample of tissue (a biopsy) from the testicle may help determine possible causes of male infertility.
• Your health care provider may suspect the testicle is cancerous.

An alternative is to choose not to have treatment, recognizing the risks of your condition. If you have an infected or twisted testicle, the risk could include destruction of the testicle. If there is the possibility that you have cancer, the risk could include the spread of the cancer and death if you are not treated. You should ask your health care provider about these choices.

How do I prepare for a testicular exploration?

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.

Follow your health care provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers heal more slowly after surgery. They are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery. For this reason, if you are a smoker, you should quit at least 2 weeks before the procedure. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery. Also, your wounds will heal much better if you do not smoke after the surgery.

If you need a minor pain reliever in the week before surgery, choose acetaminophen rather than aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. This helps avoid extra bleeding during surgery. If you are taking daily aspirin for a medical condition, ask your provider if you need to stop taking it before your surgery.

Follow any other instructions your provider gives you. Eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

What happens during the procedure?

You will receive a local or general anesthetic. A local anesthetic numbs part of your body while you remain awake. It should keep you from feeling pain during the operation. A general anesthetic relaxes your muscles, puts you to sleep, and prevents you from feeling pain.

Your doctor will make a cut either in your groin or scrotum and expose the testicle. If your doctor suspects the testicle is cancerous, it will probably be removed. If it is infected, a sample of tissue will be taken for tests, a drain will be placed for an abscess, or the testicle will be removed. If the testicle is twisted, your doctor will try to straighten it.

What happens after the procedure?

You probably will go home later that day, or you may stay in the hospital for a day, depending on your condition. Wear a supporter and rest for a few days after the operation. Do not lift anything heavy until you check first with your health care provider.

If you have an infection, you may need to take antibiotics for 5 to 10 days.

Ask your provider what steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

If the testicle was twisted and your doctor was able to straighten it, you should no longer have pain and discomfort.

In other instances, this procedure will not cure the problem, but it will help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis and determine the type of treatment you will need.

If you have cancer, the procedure may be a necessary first step toward a cure.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• There are some risks when you have general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your health care provider.
• A local anesthetic may not numb the area quite enough and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is considered safer than general anesthesia.
• The testicle may be damaged, leaving you infertile (unable to conceive a child) if the other testicle does not work either.
• You may have infection or bleeding.

You should ask your provider how these risks apply to you.

When should I call my health care provider?

Call your provider right away if:

• You develop a fever.
• You have uncontrolled pain.
• You have increasing swelling, warmth, or discoloration of your scrotum.

Call during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.
• You want to make another appointment.