Etymed
orchiectomy
Definition
Surgical removal of one or both testes
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents with a history of prostate cancer and elevated PSA levels. Despite hormone therapy, his cancer has progressed. The oncology team recommends orchiectomy as an additional treatment modality to reduce testosterone production and slow tumor growth. The patient undergoes bilateral orchiectomy with significant improvement in his PSA levels and overall prognosis.
Mnemonic
ORCHI - ORCHIectomy removes Testes (Orchids) for cancer treatment