What is a testicular exploration?

A testicular exploration is a procedure in which the doctor opens the scrotum to examine a man's testicle. The scrotum is the pouch that holds the testicles, the male sex glands that produce sperm and testosterone, a male hormone.

When is it used?

Reasons for doing this procedure include:

• The testicle may be painful and swollen.

• The testicle may be infected or twisted.

• Taking a sample of tissue (a biopsy) from the testicle may help determine possible causes of male infertility.

• The doctor may suspect the testicle is cancerous.

An alternative is to choose not to have treatment, recognizing the risks of your condition. If you have an infected or twisted testicle, the risk could include destruction of the testicle itself. If there is the possibility that you have cancer, the risk could include the spread of the cancer and death if the procedure is not done. You should ask your doctor about these choices.

How do I prepare for a testicular exploration?

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.

For one week before your surgery, do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Motrin or Advil), or any other nonprescription pain relievers except for acetaminophen (such as Tylenol). You may take acetaminophen for pain.

Follow any instructions your doctor may give you. Eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

What happens during the procedure?

You will receive a local or general anesthetic. A local anesthetic numbs part of your body while you remain awake. It should keep you from feeling pain during the operation. A general anesthetic relaxes your muscles, makes you feel as if you are in a deep sleep, and prevents you from feeling pain.

The doctor will make a cut either in your groin or scrotum and expose the testicle. If the doctor suspects the testicle is cancerous, he or she will probably remove it. If it is infected, the doctor may take a sample of tissue for analysis, drain an abscess, or remove the testicle. If the testicle is twisted, the doctor will try to straighten it.

What happens after the procedure?

You may go home later that day, or you may stay in the hospital for a day, depending on your condition. Wear a supporter and rest for a few days after the operation. Do not lift anything heavy until you check first with your doctor.

If you have an infection, you may need to take antibiotics for 5 to 10 days.

Ask your doctor what steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

If the testicle was twisted and the doctor was able to straighten it, you may no longer have pain and discomfort.

In other instances, this procedure will not cure the problem, but it will help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis and determine the type of treatment you will need.

If you have cancer, the procedure may be a necessary first step toward a possible cure.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• There are some risks when you have general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your doctor.

• A local anesthesia may not numb the area quite enough and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is considered safer than general anesthesia.

• The testicle may be damaged, leaving you infertile (unable to impregnate a woman) if the other testicle does not work either.

• Infection or bleeding may occur.

You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if:

• You develop a fever.

• You have uncontrolled pain.

• You have increasing swelling, warmth, or discoloration of your scrotum.

Call the doctor during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.

• You want to make another appointment.