Radical Orchidectomy for Testicular Tumours

It is surgery to remove an affected testicle and its spermatic cord through an incision in the groin. It is commonly performed when testicular cancer is suspected.

Yes. Orchidectomy and orchiectomy are alternative spellings for surgical removal of a testicle. Radical inguinal orchidectomy describes the specific approach used for most suspected testicular cancers.

The inguinal approach allows the affected testicle and spermatic cord to be removed while avoiding a scrotal incision. This is the standard surgical approach when testicular cancer is suspected.

No. Some testicular masses are benign, particularly certain small incidental lesions. However, a suspicious solid mass within the testicle requires prompt urological assessment because cancer is an important possibility.

Routine needle biopsy through the scrotum is generally avoided when testicular cancer is suspected. Radical inguinal orchidectomy permits complete examination of the suspicious tissue. Selected masses may be assessed using a testis-sparing surgical approach with frozen section.

Assessment usually includes bilateral scrotal ultrasound, tumour marker blood tests and relevant preoperative investigations. CT imaging may also be required before or after the operation for staging.

These are blood tumour markers used during testicular cancer assessment. Some cancers cause elevated marker levels, but not all. They may be repeated after surgery and during follow-up.

Yes. Normal AFP, beta-hCG and LDH levels do not exclude testicular cancer. Ultrasound, examination and pathology remain important for diagnosis.

Sperm banking should be discussed before treatment for testicular cancer. Although many men retain fertility after removal of one testicle, sperm quality may already be reduced and additional cancer treatment can affect fertility.

Not necessarily. The remaining testicle may produce enough sperm for natural conception. However, fertility varies, and testicular cancer or additional treatment can reduce sperm production.

Many men continue producing sufficient testosterone from the remaining testicle. Some develop low testosterone levels. Blood tests may be recommended if symptoms or other concerns arise.

Removal of one testicle does not usually prevent erections, orgasm or ejaculation. Recovery, emotional stress, hormone changes or additional cancer treatment may affect sexual function in some men.

Yes. A testicular prosthesis can be placed in the scrotum to replace some of the appearance and volume of the removed testicle. It is optional and can sometimes be inserted during the original operation or later.

Not exactly. A prosthesis may differ from a natural testicle in firmness, shape or position. Your surgeon can explain realistic expectations and possible complications.

Yes. Some patients prefer delayed insertion after recovery or cancer treatment planning. Others choose not to have a prosthesis. Both options are reasonable.

No. Routine radical inguinal orchidectomy removes the affected testicle and spermatic cord, not the scrotal skin. The operated side of the scrotum will be empty unless a prosthesis is inserted.

An uncomplicated radical orchidectomy often takes approximately 45–90 minutes. Timing varies according to individual anatomy, complexity and whether a prosthesis is inserted.

Radical orchidectomy is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Your anaesthetist will explain the planned technique and relevant risks.

Yes. Many patients return home on the same day, provided recovery is satisfactory. Some require an overnight hospital stay.

The incision is normally located in the groin, above the scrotum. Scar appearance varies depending on the incision, skin and healing.

Some swelling and bruising are expected after surgery. Fluid or blood can temporarily collect in the scrotum. Rapidly increasing swelling or severe pain requires assessment.

Many patients return to light work within approximately one to two weeks, depending on comfort and recovery. Heavy physical work may require longer restrictions.

Gentle walking is often encouraged during recovery. Heavy lifting, running and strenuous exercise are commonly restricted for approximately four weeks or longer according to your surgeon's advice.

Sexual activity may be resumed when the wound is healed, you are comfortable and your surgeon has permitted it. For many patients, this may be approximately two to four weeks, but recovery varies.

Pathology identifies the tumour type and features, including its local extent and whether certain structures or blood vessels are involved. These findings help guide staging and treatment planning.

Seminoma and non-seminomatous germ cell tumours are the two broad groups of testicular germ cell cancer. They may require different follow-up and treatment strategies. Your urologist will explain the diagnosis after pathology.

Not necessarily. Some patients with localised cancer require surveillance only. Others may need chemotherapy or another treatment depending on the cancer type, stage and risk.

Yes, in some patients with localised disease, orchidectomy is the only treatment required. Regular follow-up is still important because recurrence can occur.

CT imaging is commonly used for staging testicular cancer and may be performed before or after orchidectomy. Subsequent imaging depends on the diagnosis, stage and surveillance plan.

Repeat AFP, beta-hCG and LDH tests help assess changes following removal of the tumour. Results are interpreted over time because markers decline at different rates.

Sometimes. Testis-sparing surgery may be considered for selected small or indeterminate lesions, particularly where benign disease is likely or preservation of testicular tissue is especially important. It requires careful specialist assessment and often frozen-section pathology.

Treatment planning is particularly important when a tumour affects the only remaining testicle. Fertility preservation, testosterone function and possible testis-sparing treatment should be discussed with specialist teams when appropriate.

A tumour can occasionally develop in the opposite testicle in the future. Your team will explain self-examination, follow-up and whether additional assessment is needed based on your individual risk factors.

Bring your GP referral, scrotal ultrasound report and images, tumour marker results, medication list, previous relevant scans and any medical records about fertility or previous testicular surgery.