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Insertion of an artificial testicle (Testis implant)
A. This involves the insertion of a silicone /saline testicular implant, usually via a groin incision.
A. No prosthesis.
A. If you are taking blood thinning medication on a regular basis, you must discuss this with your urologist because these drugs can cause increased bleeding after surgery. There may be a balance of risk where stopping them will reduce the chances of bleeding but this can result in increased clotting, which may also carry a risk to your health. This will, therefore, need careful discussion with regard to risks and benefits.
Aspirin does not usually need to be stopped but will be the decision of your surgeon.
You will usually be admitted on the same day as your surgery, or a day before. You will normally undergo pre assessment on the day of your clinic. After admission, you will be seen by members of the medical team which may include the consultant, junior urology doctors and nurse.
You will be asked not to eat or drink for six hours before surgery and, immediately before the operation, you may be given a pre-medication by the anaesthetist which will make you dry-mouthed and pleasantly sleepy.
Please be sure to inform your urologist in advance of your surgery if you have any of the following:
A. Either a full general anaesthetic (where you will be asleep throughout the procedure) or a spinal anaesthetic (where you are awake but unable to feel anything from the waist down) will be used. All methods minimise pain; your anaesthetist will explain the pros and cons of each type of anaesthetic to you.
The artificial testicle is inserted through a small incision, usually in the groin. The neck of the scrotum will be closed off with stitches to prevent the prosthesis from moving up into the groin. The prosthesis itself is fixed to the inside of the scrotum to prevent it from rotating.
A. You may experience discomfort for a few days after the procedure but painkillers will be given to you to take home. Absorbable stitches are normally used which do not require removal.
A. The average duration of stay is 24 to 36 hours.
A. Most procedures have a potential for side effects. You should be reassured that, although all these complications are well recognised, the majority of patients do not suffer any problems after a urological procedure.
Common (greater than one in 10)
Occasional (between one in 10 and one in 50)
Rare (less than one in 50)
A. When you leave hospital, you will be given a discharge summary of your admission. This holds important information about your inpatient stay and your operation.
The groin and scrotum may be uncomfortable for seven to 10 days. Simple painkillers will usually relieve this discomfort. You are advised to take 10 to 14 days off work and to refrain from vigorous exercise (including sport) for six weeks.
A. If you develop a temperature, increased redness, throbbing or drainage at the site of the operation, please contact your urologist.
A. A follow up outpatient appointment will be scheduled in first week after discharge followed by an appointment at six to eight weeks after the operation to assess the cosmetic result.
Whilst an artificial testicle may restore your external appearance to relative normality, it tends to be much firmer than a normal testicle and does not, therefore, feel normal.