Thumbnail image of: Male Pelvis: Illustration

Testicular Exploration

What is a testicular exploration?

A testicular exploration is a procedure done to examine the testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system. They make sperm and the male hormone, testosterone. They are in a sac of loose skin, called the scrotum or scrotal sac. The scrotum is below the penis.

When is it used?

The procedure may be done to:

Check for cancer of the testicles
Remove a sample of tissue (biopsy) to help find the cause of infertility (being unable to conceive a child)
Check for twisting or infection of the testicles
Bring an undescended testicle down to the scrotum if it is high in the groin or abdomen
In some cases, remove one or both testicles

Ask your healthcare provider to explain why you are having the procedure and any risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

Make plans for your care and recovery after you have the procedure. Find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks while you recover.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.
You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Some medicines (like aspirin) may increase your risk of bleeding during or after the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Ask your provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food or medicine allergies.
Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

You will be given a regional or general anesthetic to keep you from feeling pain. A regional anesthetic numbs the part of your body where you will have the surgery while you stay awake. You may also be given medicine to help you relax. The medicine can make you drowsy or you may fall asleep before the procedure. General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and you will be asleep.

Your healthcare provider will make a cut either in your groin or scrotum so he or she can examine the testicle. Your testicle may need to be removed if:

Your provider suspects cancer in the testicle.
You have a severe infection that cannot be treated in other ways.
The testicle is badly damaged.

What happens after the procedure?

You may go home later that day or stay in the hospital overnight, depending on your condition. Ask your healthcare provider:

How long it will take to recover
What activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
How to take care of yourself at home
What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

You may have problems with anesthesia.
The testicle may be damaged, leaving you infertile (unable to conceive a child) if the other testicle does not work either.
You may have infection or bleeding.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.

Developed by RelayHealth.

Adult Advisor 2015.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2014-04-18
Last reviewed: 2014-04-08

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Testicular Exploration: References

Evaluation of acute scrotum in our consecutive operated cases: a one-center study.Moslemi MK, Kamalimotlagh S. Int J Gen Med. 2014 Jan 15;7:75-8.

Update on testicular germ cell tumors. Nallu A, Chimakurthi R, Hussain A, Mannuel HD. Curr Opin Oncol. 2014 Mar 26

A review of ultrasound imaging in scrotal emergencies. Yusuf GT, Sidhu PS. J Ultrasound. 2013 Sep 4;16(4)

Histopathological patterns of testicular biopsy in male infertility: A retrospective study from a tertiary care center in the western part of Saudi Arabia.

Mubarak M. Urol Ann. 2013 Jul;5(3):221.

Testicular torsion: diagnosis, evaluation, and management. Sharp VJ, Kieran K, Arlen AM. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Dec 15;88(12):835-40. R

Chiu B, Chen CS, Keller JJ, Lin CC, Lin HC. Seasonality of testicular torsion: a 10-year nationwide population based study. J Urol. 2012 May;187(5):1781-5.

Mathur A, Manish A, Maletha M, Luthra NB. Emphysematous epididymo-orchitis: A rare entity. Indian J Urol. 2011 Jul;27(3):399-40.

Nowroozi MR, Ahmadi H, Ayati M, Jamshidian H, Sirous A. Testicular fine-needle aspiration versus testicular open biopsy: Comparable sperm retrieval rate in selected patients. Indian J Urol. 2012 Jan;28(1):37-42.

Yu KJ, Wang TM, Chen HW, Wang HH. The dilemma in the diagnosis of acute scrotum: clinical clues for differentiating between testicular torsion and epididymo-orchitis. Chang Gung Med J. 2012 Jan-Feb;35(1):38-45.