What to expect from testicle removal surgery for testicular cancer

An orchidectomy removes the testicle containing the tumour. The surgeon usually reaches it through an incision in the groin rather than through the scrotum, and tissue is sent for examination. The remaining testicle can often continue to make hormones and sperm, but your team may discuss fertility testing, sperm storage and a prosthesis before treatment if these matter to you.

You will receive anaesthesia, so you will not feel the operation. A drain is not always needed. The exact procedure and whether nearby tissue needs assessment depend on scans, examination and the surgical plan.

Before admission, tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous anaesthesia problems and any fertility plans. Arrange transport home and help with meals or movement during the first days. Wear loose clothing and follow the fasting and medication instructions you receive.

After surgery, keep the wound clean and dry as directed, use prescribed pain relief, and walk gently as advised. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and sexual activity until your surgeon says they are suitable. Keep the follow-up appointment: results guide whether monitoring, scans or additional treatment is needed.

Contact your surgical team promptly for a fever, worsening redness or swelling, increasing wound pain, pus, persistent vomiting, difficulty passing urine or bleeding that does not settle with pressure. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or sudden severe swelling.

Ask which testicle and tissues will be removed, how the incision should be cared for, when normal activities can resume, and when the pathology result will be discussed. You can also ask about fertility preservation, hormone symptoms, a testicular prosthesis and the schedule for follow-up scans.