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Testis Biopsy
What is
Testis Biopsy?
In
order to evaluate a man's ability to have a
child, a testicular biopsy is done. This test is
done by removing a small sample of tissue from
one or both testicles and then studied under a
microscope.
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Effects
of Testis Biopsy
On
rare occasions, a testicular biopsy is done in
order to help determine the cause of male
infertility. This procedure may be performed if
both of the following are present:
This
procedure is not generally used to identify
testicular cancer. An orchiectomy which is an
open surgical procedure is the procedure of
choice in order to confirm the diagnosis.
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Your Consultation
Before
undergoing this procedure, it is important to
let your doctor know if you have any of the
following conditions:
-
Allergies to any medications as well as
anesthetics
-
Taking medications on a regular basis. Be
sure that names and doses are made known to
the doctor
-
Taking in of any blood-thinning medications
such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin,
enoxaparin (Lovenox), aspirin, ibuprofen or
other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
-
Have
had any problems with bleeding
A
consent form will be signed by the patient
stating that he understands the risk of
undergoing a testicular biopsy and that he
agrees to have the biopsy done. In order to
give the patient a better understanding of the
importance of the biopsy, make sure that you
talk to your health care professional about any
concerns or apprehensions that you may have
regarding the need to undergo this procedure,
any other options or alternative methods for the
biopsy, the risks of undergoing a testicular
biopsy, how will this be done, and what the
results will indicate.
No
other special preparation is needed if this
procedure is done under local anesthesia.
On the
other hand, if the procedure is done under
general anesthesia, no eating or drinking is
allowed approximately 8 to 12 hours prior to the
biopsy. While the patient is being prepped for
the biopsy, an intravenous (IV) line will then
be inserted in the patient's arm and a sedative
will be given approximately an hour prior to the
procedure.
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The
Testis Biopsy Procedure
This testis biopsy procedure will be
administered by a urologist in the doctor's
office, a day surgery clinic, or in a hospital
operating room.
The patient will be lying on his back on the
examining table. Cleansing of the skin over the
testicle will be done with the use of an
antiseptic solution. The area surrounding it
will then be covered with a sterile cloth. The
doctor will be wearing sterile gloves as it is
very important not to touch this sterile area.
To numb or anesthetize the area, a local
anesthetic will be injected into the skin of the
scrotum. A small incision is then created
through the skin and removal of a tiny piece of
testicular tissue is done with the use of small
scissors. The incision in the testicle is then
closed with a single stitch and another one is
used to close the incision in the skin. The
sutures are absorbable so that the stitches do
not have to be removed. The same procedure is
most of the time repeated on the other testicle.
Finally, bandaging of the scrotal area is done.
The patient will be encouraged to wear an
athletic supporter for several days
postoperatively in order to help support the
testicles while the incisions are healing.
The same method will be used if a general
anesthetic used except that during the surgery,
the patient will be asleep.
It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the
biopsy to complete. Sexual activity should be
avoided for about 1 to 2 weeks after undergoing
the testicular biopsy. The testicular area
should not be washed for several days.
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Recovery
One can expect the appearance of a small amount
of bright red blood in the area biopsied. If the
patient feels that the amount of bleeding is
excessive, one should not be alarmed but should
immediately inform his doctor.
Prescription medications for pain and sometimes
antibiotics are given at the time of discharge
for an ambulatory surgical center. One should be
careful when walking or climbing stairs as
taking in of these medications may cause
dizziness.
Driving is not allowed after undergoing the
procedure. Arrangements should be made for
someone to drive the patient home after the
surgery.
The patient may take a shower 48 hours
postoperatively. Until then, dressings should be
kept dry.
It is normal to experience some swelling and
bruising in the area.
The patient may return to work two or three days
after the surgery if his job engages only in
desk work or light activity. It is common to
experience slight discomfort for the first few
days post surgery.
One week after the operation, heavy work,
strenuous activities, or sports are not allowed.
The patient is encouraged to wear an athletic
supporter or a jock strap for a week after the
surgery.
Resumption of normal activities may be done if
the patient feels ready to do them.
Absorbable sutures are used so the patient does
not have to come back for removal of the
stitches.
If other problems, questions, or complications
are experienced after the surgery, make sure
that you inform your healthcare provider
immediately.
Results of the biopsy will be available one week
after the procedure.
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Risks
There is a slight chance of experiencing
prolonged bleeding or infection from the biopsy.
If the patient had the biopsy under general
anesthesia, a slight risk of complications may
be experienced. On the other hand, undergoing a
testicular biopsy does not pose a risk of any
erection or infertility problems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is a testicle?
A:
The testicles or testes are glands that are oval
in shape and hang in the scrotum underneath the
base of the penis. The testicles are
responsible for the production of sperm, which
is necessary for reproduction, and male hormones
such as testosterone.
Q:
What can be felt during the biopsy?
A:
A slight quick sting can be felt when the
intravenous (IV) line is inserted or during the
injection of the local anesthetic. Besides all
that, this procedure should be painless.
After
the procedure, the scrotum and testicles may
feel to some extent sore for three to four
days. Some bruising may also be expected. A
small amount of bleeding through the bandage may
be noticed but one should not be alarmed as this
is normal. Ask your doctor about how much
bleeding is to be expected.
The following list of Urology procedures are
performed at Beverly Hills Medical Group -
please click the links to find out more:
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