The loss or absence of a testicle in a man can have adverse psychological effects. Testicular implants (also called testicular prostheses) are a relatively simple surgical procedure that can lead to an improved body image for those men so affected. It is done through a small incision in the scrotum and takes less than one hour to perform under anesthesia. Based on Dr. Eppley’s experience, these are the most common considerations to know after testicular implant surgery.
1. Testicular implants usually have a low amount of postoperative discomfort but the scrotum will feel a little tight. Take your pain medications as needed. Significant swelling will occur in the first few days (peaking the second day after surgery), making it more swollen than seen the first night after surgery. This is normal.
2. Apply ice packs (frozen peas or mixed vegetables work well) to the groin area over the implanted side for the first 24 hours to help with swelling. This will keep down some but not all of the swelling.
3. If your job involves deskwork or very light activity, you may return to work 2 or 3 days after surgery. Remember that it is likely that you will have some discomfort for the first few days after surgery when deciding when to go back to work.
4. You may sit and do all activities as you normally would do, short of exercise during the first week after surgery. It will be helpful to have underwear that does not fit too tight but provides good support.
5. There will be no dressings applied. Only a layer of glue will be over the scrotal incision. The glue will fall off in several weeks after the procedure.
6. You may shower the next day after surgery and do not worry about getting the incision wet. Do not take a bath or submerge the incision under water for ten days after surgery. (like a hot tub)
7. All of the sutures will be dissolvable and underneath the skin. You may see a few small sutures on the outside of the incision but these also are dissolvable.
8. Numbness of the skin around the scrotum is normal after this kind of surgery. Normal feeling will return but it may take up to several months after surgery for that to occur.
9. You may participate in any physical activity that feels comfortable, including exercise. You should avoid running or sex for one week after surgery.
10. If any redness, tenderness, or drainage develops after the first week of surgery, call Dr. Eppley and have your pharmacy number ready.