Subcapsular Orchiectomy
Subcapsular orchiectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the inner (glandular) part of the testicle, leaving the outer layer intact. This technique is used in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, where reducing testosterone production can help control the disease.
How is subcapsular orchiectomy performed?
During subcapsular orchiectomy, the surgeon accesses the testicle through an incision in the scrotum. Instead of removing the entire testicle, only the inner tissue, which produces most of the testosterone, is removed. This preserves the outer layer of the testicle and maintains the contents of the scrotum. Subcapsular orchiectomy is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia and is associated with fewer complications and a shorter recovery period compared to radical orchiectomy, where the entire testicle is removed.
Before subcapsular orchiectomy, patients undergo thorough evaluation and consultations with a urologist to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.