Radical hemiscrotectomy and en bloc orchidectomy: surgical technique and perioperative and oncologic outcomes of a supra-regional UK referral centre

Abstract

Background and purpose: Hemiscrotectomy with en bloc orchidectomy represents a radical primary, completion, or salvage option in men with inguinoscrotal cancers. We describe our surgical technique and peri-operative and oncological outcomes. Patients and methods: Retrospective cohort study of 16 men treated at a supra-regional referral centre with open radical hemiscrotectomy with or without en bloc orchidectomy between 2010 and 2020. Peri-operative and survival outcomes were analysed. Results: Radical hemiscrotectomy with or without en bloc orchidectomy was performed on 16 patients comprising 7 well-differentiated liposarcomas, 4 dedifferentiated liposarcomas, 2 leiomyosarcomas, 1 mesothelioma, 1 rhabdomyosarcoma and 1 mammary type myofibroblastoma. Primary hemiscrotectomy was performed in four, completion hemiscrotectomy in nine and salvage hemiscrotectomy in three. The median hospital stay was 2 days [interquartile range (IQR) 2-4]. Four patients (25%) had post-operative complications including wound infection or haematoma. During a median follow-up of 18 months (IQR 2-66), one patient (6%) died following a recurrence in the pelvis and retroperitoneum. Discussion: and Conclusions If careful dissection is performed, radical hemiscrotectomy and en bloc orchidectomy is a radical but safe procedure with a short hospital stay. Haematoma and infection represent the main complications, and within limited follow-up most men showed no recurrence.