What does orchidectomy mean?
An orchidectomy is an operation to remove one or both testicles. It may be performed because of testicular cancer, severe injury, torsion, infection, or another condition affecting the organ. The operation is commonly described as unilateral when only one testicle is removed and bilateral when both are removed. In cancer treatment, a radical orchidectomy may also involve removal of surrounding tissue and nearby lymph nodes to help reduce the chance of recurrence. Orchidectomy is a technical medical term, while the shorter and equally precise “orchiectomy” is also widely used by clinicians and patients. It should not be confused with oophorectomy, which is the surgical removal of an ovary. The word derives from Greek roots associated with the testicle and the act of cutting out or excising tissue.
nounSurgical removal of one or both testicles, most commonly performed to treat testicular cancer or severe injury. The term is also used in medical contexts involving the removal or suppression of testicular function.
- The surgical removal of one or both testicles.
"The patient underwent a radical orchidectomy after the tumor was confirmed by biopsy."
"A bilateral orchidectomy requires both testicles to be removed."
"The surgeon recommended a radical orchidectomy to minimize the risk of recurrence."
The plural is used when referring to multiple operations or cases involving the removal of one or both testicles.
"The records included three orchidectomies performed that year."
The word pairs the Greek name for a testicle with the surgical suffix meaning “excision,” turning an ancient term for the male reproductive organ into a precise name for its removal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does orchidectomy come from?
The word combines the combining form orchid-, derived from Greek órkhis, meaning “testicle,” with -ectomy, from Greek ektomía, meaning “a cutting out.” The resulting term refers specifically to the surgical removal of a testicle or the testicles.
How orchidectomy is actually used
This is a clinical term and is more common in formal medical writing than in general conversation. “Orchiectomy” is a widely used synonym.
Easily confused with orchidectomy
An orchidectomy removes a testicle, whereas an oophorectomy removes an ovary.