Your Recovery

You have had an orchiopexy (say "OR-kee-oh-peck-see"). In adults, it is usually done for testicle torsion. This occurs when your testicle twists, which twists the cord that provides it with blood. This cuts off blood from the testicle. It's usually an emergency, and the surgery takes place right away.

Your doctor made a cut, called an incision, in your scrotum and untwisted the cord. If the testicle looked like it was too damaged, your doctor probably removed it. Your doctor may have replaced the testicle with a prosthetic testicle, which is a plastic oval. This keeps the shape of your scrotum close to what it was before the surgery. The loss of one testicle should not change your ability to get an erection or father a child.

If the testicle is okay, your doctor attached it to your scrotum with stitches. This will keep the cord from twisting again. Your doctor also attached the other testicle to the scrotum so the cord will not twist in the future.

In most cases, doctors use stitches that dissolve on their own in 2 to 3 weeks and don't need to be removed. The incision will ooze fluid for 2 to 3 days.

You can expect to feel better each day, although you may have some mild to moderate pain for several days after surgery. You may need pain medicine during this time. Your scrotum will be swollen after surgery. This is normal. The swelling usually goes down within 2 to 4 weeks.

You should be able to do most of your normal activities after 1 to 2 weeks, except for those that require a lot of effort. It's important to avoid straining with bowel movements and doing heavy lifting while you recover.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
• You have severe pain in your belly.

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• Your incision comes open.
• You are bleeding from the incision enough to soak a large bandage.
• You have signs of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.
• Your swelling is getting worse.
• You have trouble passing urine.

Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:

• You are not getting better as expected.