What incision care is required after an orchiectomy?

Post-Orchiectomy Incision Care

After an orchiectomy, patients should keep the incision site clean and dry for the first 48 hours, after which the dressing can be safely removed without increasing infection risk. 1

Immediate Post-Operative Care

• The incision site should be protected with a dressing for the first 48 hours after surgery to allow for initial wound healing and to protect against bacterial contamination 1
• The dressing serves as a physical barrier to protect the wound until skin continuity is restored (typically within 48 hours) and to absorb any wound exudate 1
• Early dressing removal (within 48 hours) has not been shown to increase risk of surgical site infection compared to delayed removal 1

Home Care Instructions

• After the initial 48-hour period, the dressing can be removed permanently 1
• The incision site should be kept clean and dry 2
• Gentle cleansing with mild soap and water is sufficient; aggressive scrubbing should be avoided 2
• Pat the area dry rather than rubbing to avoid disrupting the healing wound 1
• Avoid applying creams, lotions, or powders to the incision unless specifically prescribed by the surgeon 2

Monitoring for Complications

• Patients should monitor the incision site for signs of infection, including:
  • Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the incision 2
  • Purulent (pus) drainage from the incision 2
  • Fever or increasing pain 2
• Watch for signs of wound dehiscence (opening of the incision) 1
• Report any unusual bleeding or excessive drainage to the healthcare provider immediately 2

Activity Restrictions

• Avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting (typically >10 pounds) for 2-4 weeks after surgery 2
• Avoid swimming, bathing in a tub, or soaking the incision until it is fully healed and the surgeon approves these activities 2
• Showering is typically permitted 48 hours after surgery once the initial dressing is removed 1

Follow-Up Care

• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing 2
• For patients with testicular cancer, follow-up care will include regular monitoring with physical exams, tumor marker tests, and imaging studies according to risk stratification 2
• Patients should be aware that the first follow-up appointment is typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks after surgery 2

Special Considerations

• Patients should wear supportive underwear or a scrotal support for comfort and to reduce swelling 2
• Apply ice packs (wrapped in a towel) to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling 2
• Take pain medications as prescribed 2

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C) 2
• Increasing pain not controlled by prescribed pain medication 2
• Excessive bleeding or drainage from the incision 2
• Significant swelling or bruising that continues to worsen 2
• Signs of infection as mentioned above 2

Early dressing removal has been shown to potentially result in shorter hospital stays and reduced treatment costs compared to keeping dressings in place beyond 48 hours 1.