Testicular mapping

Need to know

• What happens icon plus

  For this minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure you will be placed under local, or sometimes general, anaesthetic. The area around your scrotum will be numbed with local anaesthetic. Using a technique called fine needle aspiration (FNA), your urologist will carefully take multiple samples from each of your testes, through the scrotal skin. No cuts or incisions will be made. Since pressure is applied for several minutes to the delicate area of the testes you are advised to rest for one day following the procedure. The whole procedure takes about 45 minutes and you should be able to return to normal activity within 24 hours.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Avoid any physical exercise that may make your testes or scrotum tender. On the day of the procedure wear loose and comfortable clothing. If general anaesthetic is used during the procedure you may need to fast for several hours beforehand. Your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking for. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side-effects involved. Your urologist will explain these to you.

• Afterwards icon plus

  Apply frequent ice packs to the scrotum on the night of surgery and the following morning. Prescribed pain medication can be taken as directed by your consultant. Normal, non-vigorous activity may be resumed after 24 hours, including returning to work. Strenuous gym activity may be resumed after one week.