Orchiectomy with Dr. Raphael in Plano, Texas, May 2006

By Ashley; edited by Anne A. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D.

I would share a very positive orchiectomy experience with Dr. Peter Raphael in Plano, Texas (a north Dallas suburb) this past week. I found the entire operation to be first class all the way. The fee was $2500.

Dr. Raphael is a plastic surgeon who operates the American Institute for Plastic Surgery, at 3801 West 15th in Plano. My reading on the Internet indicated that Dr. Raphael did not require a long set of recommendations for orchiectomy. He does requires a pre-surgery medical check up, including lab work and a current EKG (within the past 12 months), as well as a written recommendation for surgery from one's physician.

There are several nice hotels within 3 minutes of the hospital. Virtually all have medical discounts. I stayed in a suite at the Residence Inn for 3 nights, at $65 per night, which included a fully equipped kitchen.

An orchiectomy is treated as out patient surgery, as in most locations. I was scheduled for the first operation of the day, which meant a 5 AM arrival. By 5:45, I had an IV and was on the gurney. Dr. Raphael came in for a brief visit. His preferred orchiectomy procedure uses two small incisions in the lower abdomen. The patient is under general anesthesia, and an anesthesiologist is present.

My support person said good-bye a few minutes before 6 AM, and that's the last thing I remember. I have no memory of being rolled into surgery, nor returning to the recovery area. A few minutes before 8 AM, I was aware of conversation around me, and by 8:05 AM, I was being wheeled to my waiting vehicle. I had a small amount of morphine administered, so there was no real discomfort. I was walking down the hall to my hotel room by 8:30 AM, without really needing assistance.

I spent the remainder of Friday sleeping or resting. I had no nausea and probably could have eaten whatever I wished. My plumbing returning to full function by 12 noon. I was provided with a jock strap and gauze padding at the hospital. I later changed to a panty girdle with a single Always maxi pad, which I found provided just the right level of support. I could pretty much move around at will.

The night after surgery, I took one "Oxycodone 5mg /APAP 350mg" tablet for pain, mostly to assure a good night's sleep. I awoke Saturday morning, amazed at how well I felt. I went in for a check-up at 10 AM. The nurse found no problems, changed my maxi pad, and sent me on my way for the 3-hour trip home.

I took no additional pain medication, nor did I need for any, for the balance of the weekend. Monday was the same. There was no swelling or redness around the two incisions. There was a minor bruised appearance near the base of the penis, but no discomfort in the scrotum.

I can not say enough positive about how well I was treated throughout the process. As a 62-year-old person with diabetes, I've seen my share of doctors, but none any warmer or more caring than Dr. Raphael.

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