[Orchidectomy in testicular cancer. Variant techniques and tactics]

Exploratory orchidotomy, generally leading to orchidectomy, is the first procedure performed whenever testicular cancer is suspected. The techniques and indications for wide orchidectomy have advanced since the time of Chevassu: radical orchidectomy with lymph node dissection via an inguinoiliolumbar incision is no longer performed, value of wide orchidectomy associated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, place of enucleations in the case of solitary testis or synchronous bilateral lesions, and deferred orchidectomy after chemotherapy. The various techniques are reviewed and their indications are discussed.