Testicular Cancer Surgery Melbourne
Radical inguinal orchidectomy is the primary surgical treatment for suspected testicular cancer. The procedure involves removal of the entire testicle along with the spermatic cord through an incision in the groin (inguinal approach). This approach is preferred over a scrotal incision as it allows control of the blood supply and lymphatic drainage before the testicle is mobilised, reducing the risk of cancer spread. The removed testicle provides tissue for definitive diagnosis and staging, which guides further treatment decisions.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Brendan Dias
Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Urology), IntFRCS (England), FUSANZ, FRACS (Urology)
Last clinically reviewed: 26 August 2026
Benefits
- Curative treatment for early-stage testicular cancer
- Provides definitive diagnosis and staging information
- Inguinal approach minimises risk of local recurrence
- Testicular prosthesis can be inserted at the same time
- Generally excellent prognosis - testicular cancer has high cure rates
- Single remaining testicle maintains normal hormone levels and fertility in most men
The Procedure
Radical orchidectomy is performed under general anaesthesia through an incision in the groin crease (inguinal incision). The spermatic cord is identified and clamped early to prevent tumour spillage. The testicle is delivered through the incision, and the cord is divided and ligated high at the internal inguinal ring. If desired, a testicular prosthesis (silicone implant) can be placed at the same time. The wound is closed in layers with dissolvable sutures. The procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who Is a Candidate?
Radical orchidectomy is indicated for any man with a solid testicular mass suspected to be cancer based on ultrasound findings. It is both diagnostic (providing tissue for pathology) and therapeutic. Pre-operative tumour markers (AFP, beta-hCG, LDH) and staging CT scan help plan further treatment. Sperm banking should be offered before surgery for men who may wish to preserve fertility, as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required afterwards.
Recovery
This is typically a day surgery procedure. Pain is usually mild to moderate and well controlled with oral pain relief. Return to desk work is possible within 1 week; physical work requires 2-3 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and strenuous exercise for 2-3 weeks. Wound care is straightforward with dissolvable sutures. Follow-up involves discussing pathology results and planning any additional treatment such as surveillance, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or further surgery.
Risks & Considerations
Radical orchidectomy is a safe procedure with low complication rates. Potential risks include wound infection, haematoma or seroma formation, chronic groin pain (uncommon), injury to the ilioinguinal nerve causing numbness of the inner thigh or scrotum, and very rarely injury to nearby structures. Long-term, a single testicle is sufficient for normal testosterone production and fertility in most men, though some may notice slightly reduced sperm counts.