Testicular Biopsy: How It Is Done

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How It Is Done

This biopsy is done by a surgeon or a doctor who specializes in men's sexual problems (urologist) in the doctor's office, a day surgery clinic, or a hospital operating room.

You will lie on your back on an examining table. The skin over your testicle is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and the area around it is covered with sterile cloth. Your doctor will wear sterile gloves. It is very important that you do not touch this sterile area.

A local anesthetic will be injected into the skin of the scrotum to numb (anesthetize) the area. Then a small incision is made through the skin, and a tiny piece of testicular tissue is removed with small scissors. A single stitch is used to close the incision in the testicle, and another stitch is used to close the incision in the skin. (Absorbable sutures are used so the stitches do not need to be removed.) The procedure is usually repeated on the other testicle. The scrotal area is then bandaged. You will be asked to wear an athletic supporter for several days after the procedure to help support the testicles while the incisions heal.

If a general anesthetic is used, you will be asleep during the procedure but the same method will be used.

The biopsy usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will probably be advised to refrain from sexual activity for 1 to 2 weeks after the biopsy. You should avoid washing the area for several days.

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Last updated:	February 20, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer