Orchidectomy, a surgical procedure to remove one or both testicles, is a word that can be challenging to spell correctly. The word comprises three syllables: or-chi-dec-to-my. The first syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/ (like the 'a' sound in 'sofa'), and the second syllable has the 'i' sound as in 'it.' The last syllable, '-ectomy,' is easier to spell as it is one of the common suffixes used in medical terminology. Overall, the word's spelling is based on its Greek roots, and mastering the correct spelling and pronunciation requires taking a careful look at its phonetic transcription: /ˌɔr.kɪˈdɛk.tə.mi/.
An orchidectomy, also known as orchiectomy or castration, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both testicles, the male reproductive organs. The term "orchidectomy" is derived from the Greek words "orchis" meaning testicle and "ektomē" meaning removal.
This surgical intervention can be performed for various reasons. In cases of testicular cancer, an orchidectomy may be necessary to remove the affected testicle, preventing the spread of cancerous cells to other parts of the body. Orchidectomy can also be used as a treatment for other conditions such as testosterone-dependent prostate cancer, hypersexuality, and severe trauma or infection of the testicles.
There are different approaches to performing an orchidectomy. In a simple orchiectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the groin, removes the entire testicle, and closes the incision. In some cases, a radical orchiectomy is performed, involving the removal of the testicle along with surrounding lymph nodes to treat advanced testicular cancer.
The effects of an orchidectomy are predominantly irreversible and can result in hormonal changes, including a significant decrease in testosterone levels. This can have various physical and psychological impacts on the individual, such as reduced sex drive, infertility, and potential changes in mood and energy levels.
Overall, an orchidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both testicles and is typically performed for therapeutic reasons, such as the treatment of testicular cancer or other related conditions.
Orchiectomy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "orchidectomy" is composed of two parts: "orchid", from the Greek word "orkhis" meaning "testicle", and "ectomy", which is derived from the Greek word "ektomē" meaning "excision" or "removal". Therefore, "orchidectomy" literally means the surgical removal or excision of the testicle(s).