orchiectomy

orchiectomy /or·chi·ec·to·my/ (or″ke-ek´tah-me) excision of one or both testes. If bilateral it is called also castration.

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or·chi·ec·to·my (ôrk-kt-m) or or·chi·dec·to·my (-k-dk-)

n.

Surgical removal of one or both testes. Also called testectomy.

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Orchiectomy

Surgical removal of the testes that eliminates the production of testosterone to treat prostate cancer.

Mentioned in: Prostate Cancer, Testicular Surgery

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orchiectomy.

See orchidectomy.

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orchiectomy

excision of one or both testes. This procedure is common in animal husbandry as a promoter of growth. It may also be necessary when a testis is seriously diseased or injured. In farm parlance it is castration, caponizing for birds and gelding for horses. It is included in the term mark for lambs. The euphemism in dogs and cats is to 'have him fixed up', 'doctored' or 'dressed' (Scotland).

Removal of both testes before puberty prevents the development of secondary sex characters and behavior because of the deficiency of testosterone. If the procedure is performed after puberty, when the masculine characteristics are already developed, the changes that occur are much less extreme. The ability to reproduce is ended, there is a diminution of the production of testosterone and sexual activity disappears, for the most part.

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orchiectomy

Orchidectomy Urology The surgical removal of one or both testicles Indications CA–eg, seminoma or other germ cell tumor, hormonal ablation in Pts with prostate CA; hormonal deletion in habitual sex offenders. See Inguinal orchiectomy.