Consent: Inguinal Orchidectomy

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Last updated: June 18, 2021
Revisions: 5

Last updated: June 18, 2021
Revisions: 5

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This article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a template for consenting patients. The person obtaining consent should have clear knowledge of the procedure and the potential risks and complications. Always refer to your local or national guidelines, and the applicable and appropriate law in your jurisdiction governing patient consent.

Overview of Procedure

An inguinal orchidectomy is performed for cases of suspected testicular cancer.The most common access is via transverse inguinal crease incision, similar to a open hernia repair incision, which allows the high tie-off of the cord structures.

Complications

Intraoperative

Complication Description of Complication Potential Ways to Reduce Risk
Haemorrhage Damage to the vessels of the spermatic cord Careful dissection and identification of avascular plane
Damage to surrounding structures Damage to the ilioinguinal nerve or the genital branch of genitofemoral during the procedure
Anaesthetic risks Includes damage to the teeth, throat and larynx, reaction to medications, nausea and vomiting, cardiovascular and respiratory complications Forms a part of the anaesthetist assessment before the operation
Risk of seeding Spread of malignant cells via the testicular vessels Clamp and tie-off the structures proximally, above the suspected region of malignantly, prior to any handling of the testis

 

Early

Complication Description of Complication Potential Ways to Reduce Risk
Pain Pain from the incisions and internal handling of scrotal structures Regular analgesia post-operatively and the use local anaesthesia at the incision site
Infection Surgical site infections can develop at the incision site Maintain an aseptic technique throughout the procedure
Haematoma formation Accumulation of blood around the testes, however this will usually gradually resolve spontaneously Adequate haemostasis intra-operatively

 

Late

Complication Description of Complication Potential Ways to Reduce Risk
Chronic pain Chronic scrotal pain can occur, possible when if a contralateral orchidopexy has been performed, or injury to the ilioinguinal nerve Avoid injury to the ilioinguinal nerve during the procedure
Scarring Any incision will result in a scar, which may form a keloid scar, particularly in high risk ethnicities