In the presence of a testicular mass, what is the recommended surgical procedure?

In the context of a testicular mass, an inguinal orchiectomy is the recommended surgical procedure because it allows for the complete removal of the testicle and the associated spermatic cord. This approach is primarily used for two important reasons: diagnosis and treatment.

Firstly, it provides definitive diagnosis through pathological examination of the excised tissue, which is crucial as testicular masses can be malignant and require further management based on the histological findings. Additionally, performing the procedure through the inguinal canal minimizes the risk of tumor spillage, which could occur if the mass is malignant, particularly during any procedure that is not aimed directly at excising the mass completely.

In contrast, other procedures do not serve this comprehensive approach effectively. For example, scrotal exploration may not allow for the safe removal of a mass without risking the spread of malignancy or contamination. Testicular biopsy is generally avoided and not recommended in cases of suspected malignancy, as it could lead to tumor spillage, whereas urethral dilation is unrelated to testicular masses and addresses issues related to the urinary tract. Thus, the choice of inguinal orchiectomy stands out as the most appropriate and effective management of a testicular mass.