Surgery for testicular cancer

The main operation is surgery to remove your testicle (orchidectomy). Your doctor might also recommend removing your lymph nodes at the back of your tummy (abdomen).  

Your surgeon usually removes your testicle to diagnose the cancer. The operation is called an orchidectomy.

You might need an operation to remove some lymph nodes from the back of your tummy. This operation is called a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. 

Before your operation, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team. 

There are things you need to do before you go to the theatre for your operation. Your nurse and surgeon will ask you questions and make sure you are ready for your operation. 

Your recovery time depends on what type of surgery you have. You can usually go home on the same day after surgery to remove your testicle.

There is a risk of problems or complications after any operation. Many problems are minor but some can be life threatening. Treating them as soon as possible is important.