Orchiopexy
This surgical procedure secures a testis in the scrotum. Orchiopexy is performed in patients with undescended testis (cryptorchidism) or testicular torsion. It’s indicated when treatments such as hormonal therapy with human chorionic gonadotropin fail to make the testis descend. When successful, orchiopexy reduces the risk of sterility, testicular cancer, and testicular trauma from abnormal positioning. It also prevents psychological effects of poor sexual image.
In testicular torsion, which can affect males of all ages, orchiopexy is indicated when the testis remains viable.
Procedure
This procedure is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. If the patient has testicular torsion, the surgeon makes an incision in the scrotal skin and attempts to untwist and stabilize the spermatic cord. If a hydrocele is present, he’ll remove it. If the surgeon is unable to save the testis, he removes it (orchiectomy).
If the patient has an undescended testis, the surgeon makes an incision in the inguinal area or lower abdomen to expose the testis and makes a small incision in the scrotal skin to open the scrotum. He then frees the testis and lowers it into the scrotal sac, where he secures it in place with sutures. If bilateral cryptorchidism is present, he repeats this procedure for the other testis.
Complications
Although uncommon, complications of orchiopexy may include hemorrhage and dysuria.
Key nursing diagnoses and patient outcomes
Ineffective sexuality patterns related to the need to abstain temporarily from sexual activity. Based on this nursing diagnosis, you’ll establish these patient outcomes. The patient will:
verbalize his understanding of the need to restrict sexual activity following surgery
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