To those who had their orchiectomy done through the scrotal incison:

1. Did it leave a noticeable or troublesome scar? Or cause tissue deformation?

2. Can you still feel the stumps of the spermatic cords protruding through from your body?

I am supposed to be having an orchiectomy done through abdominal incisions to prevent these two problems. However, if these things aren't really issues then I may as well have it done through the scrotal approach, which is much cheaper and has much less recovery. Any thoughts about either method? My plastic surgeon in Dallas won't do it through the scrotal method, so I would have to go elsewhere if I want to do that.

Hi!

WeRNotAfraid (imported) wrote: Mon Nov 22, 2004 4:34 pm To those who had their orchiectomy done through the scrotal incison:

1. Did it leave a noticeable or troublesome scar? Or cause tissue deformation?

The scar was about one or two centimeters long after healing. The area around the scar was scrunched just a little, but you had to look.

WeRNotAfraid (imported) wrote: Mon Nov 22, 2004 4:34 pm 2. Can you still feel the stumps of the spermatic cords protruding through from your body?

For weeks or months afterwards, yes--they are swollen. Afterwards, they are difficult to find.

Those were just my observations. For others, it may be different. Dr. Spector did mine.

Hugs,

Kelly

I have the glorious experience with both procedures. My left nut was removed via abdominal procedure and the right nut via scrotal procedure.

Recovery is much longer with the abdominal procedure but quality of life far exceeds that of the scrotal procedure. For years now, I can feel the cord of the right nut. I hate the way this feels and at times, it becomes quite annoying for months on end.

I have not experienced any feelings of the cords or otherwise from the left nut abdominal procedure. I would do the abdominal procedure again if I was given the choice...

As far as scar, they both leave one.

Best of luck in your decision making process.

It's been over 9 months now since I had an ochiectomy with Dr Kimmel using the scrotal surgery. What little scar I do have is not very noticable. Both the doctors I see on a regular basis have commented on such a small incision. The scar is only about 1/2 inch long and slightly discolored, unlike the umbilical hernia scar I have which is about 3 inches long.

The ends of the cords are very hard to find now with just a small lump near the ends. But I think even this will dissapear over time.

I've also had some phantom pains for several months afterwards. I believe this to be part of the healing proccess and the cords shrinking because they are no longer required to function as a blood supply for the testies. Very rarely do I get these pains anymore.

Suggest the Abdominal sites.I think its best so go ahead with your surgery .Dont think youll regret doing it that way.Having a Surgeon lined up is half the battle. Best of luck. dl

WeRNotAfraid (imported) wrote: Mon Nov 22, 2004 4:34 pm To those who had their orchiectomy done through the scrotal incison:

1. Did it leave a noticeable or troublesome scar? Or cause tissue deformation?

2. Can you still feel the stumps of the spermatic cords protruding through from your body?

The only scar I have is that from the abdominal incision to repair a hernia incurred at age 12. It's 10 cm. While I think it's quite visible, especially as I don't have much pubic hair and keep what I have neatly trimmed, hardly anyone ever notices.

My balls were removed through two 2 cm incisions on each side of my sac. No scar.

I'm probably not the best person to ask about cord stumps. Mine were very short to start with, and my balls were very tight up against the crotch. That's what led to the numerous infections of the epididymis and growth of painful scar tissue that eventually motivated me to seek surgical castration. Anyway, they slipped into my abdomen shortly following the severing of the balls and have never been evident since the swelling went down a week following the orchiectomy procedure five years ago.

Recovery time is much more rapid if the testicles are expressed through the scrotum. I was back at work less than 48 hours following the procedure, while I recall being laid up for almost 2 weeks following the fairly major hernia repair. It's up to you though. If an abdominal incision is used by your practicioner, you may be stuck with that.

It seems as if there are enough problems with the leftover cord stumps as to make the abdominal approach worth it, for me anyway. I already have a scar in that area now from my hernia repair, so what's one more? And I can stay in Dallas. Too bad it costs so much more, though.

Thanks for all the advice!

Well,Not afraid! It appeals to me.Sag was saying something about the

other way,that the cords will try to attach themself to something.The scarring is a bit of a drag but I also think there is less of a chance of infection.I think it doe's cost more.But if you want srs later,much better I think.That's just one opinion.Hugs,Leona Lee

Several of you have said that you experience occasional discomfort from the remaining cords... Would anyone be willing to describe what kind of discomfort? Is it a rubbing, or an abdominal pain? I'm about 19 days from my procedure (scrotal method) and I'm curious about this particular side effect. Someone once told me that since my balls are tight hangers, this discomfort would be more noticeable. Thanks in advance!

shavedsean (imported) wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2004 12:14 pm Several of you have said that you experience occasional discomfort from the remaining cords... Would anyone be willing to describe what kind of discomfort? Is it a rubbing, or an abdominal pain? I'm about 19 days from my procedure (scrotal method) and I'm curious about this particular side effect. Someone once told me that since my balls are tight hangers, this discomfort would be more noticeable. Thanks in advance!

Ok, the word "pain" may be describing it a little too strongly. It's more of an ache or discomfort. Sort of like the ache if you were to squeeze your testies slightly now or wearing you jeans too tight. For me it didn't feel too bad, but just enough to let you know it was there. By no means did it feel like you'd been kicked.