Overview

Testicles are male reproductive glands inside the scrotum responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. Testicle cancer affects younger men aged between 15 and 35 more than other forms of cancer. Testicular cancer starts as an abnormal growth or tumour in one or both testicles and may spread to different parts of the body if not treated.

The appropriate treatment for testicular cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer and the lifestyle and overall health of an individual. Treatment options available for testicular cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. Among the many options available for treating testicular cancer, surgery is often considered a primary treatment. This article will navigate you through the procedure, recovery process, and side effects involved with testicular cancer surgery.

Procedure of Testicular Cancer Surgery

Orchiectomy, also known as testicular cancer surgery, is the procedure for removing one or both testicles. This non-invasive surgery, performed under general anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure, does not require a hospital stay.

Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a series of pre-surgery evaluations, which may include blood tests and imaging scans.

The procedure begins with the patient being put under anaesthesia. The surgeon then cleans the surgical site area and makes an incision. Depending on the technique employed by your surgeon, the incision may be made in the pubic area (inguinal orchiectomy)

Inguinal Approach- Inguinal orchiectomy, surgical removal of one or both testicles through an incision in the groin area, is a preferred approach when the surgeons want to remove the affected testicle(s) and to remove larger tumours or cases where there is involvement of lymph nodes.

After the testicle is removed, the surgeon closes the incision using sutures or surgical staples. A drain is sometimes inserted to eliminate excess fluid from the surgical site.

The removed testicles are sent to the pathology lab for examination, which helps the surgeons and healthcare providers determine if further treatment is needed, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Recovery Process

The recovery process of testicular cancer surgery generally follows a similar trajectory and involves several stages and considerations.

Immediately after surgery, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the surgical area. Pain medications help manage the discomfort from swelling, bruising, tenderness, etc.
Orchiectomy or testicular cancer surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means the patient is discharged the same day. Hospitalisation may be necessary for special cases involving complications or concerns.
Patients are recommended to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting and sexual activity for a few weeks to heal.
Post-surgery appointments help the patient to monitor healing and discuss further treatment options if needed.
Besides taking pain medications, emotional support from loved ones, support groups, or mental health professionals helps the patients to recover and heal better.

Overall, the recovery process for testicular cancer surgery involves a combination of physical healing, emotional support, and ongoing monitoring to promote optimal outcomes and well-being.

Potential Side Effects

Though testicular cancer surgery is mostly safe and effective, it does have some potential side effects and complications that patients need to be aware of.

Infection - Wounds post-surgery may be susceptible to infection. Keeping the surgical site clean and dry helps in avoiding the infection. If the patient observes any redness, swelling, or drainage, they should immediately report it to their doctor or healthcare provider.
Hematoma - Hematoma, in simpler words, collection of blood outside the blood vessels at the surgical site, is another side effect of testicular cancer surgery. Small hematomas typically resolve on their own, while larger ones may require professional assistance.
Decreased Sperm Production - If one testicle is removed during the surgery, it can decrease sperm production in men, but there is still a chance for men to father children. However, if both the testicles are removed during the surgery. In that case, the man's body is unable to produce sperm or male hormones (testosterone), leading to infertility and a decrease in sex drive.

Being informed about the potential side effects of the surgery helps patients mentally and emotionally prepare for a smooth recovery process.

Conclusion

Testicular cancer surgery offers the best chance of curing testicular cancer and for the long-term survival of the patient. Understanding the procedure, recovery process, and awareness about the side effects helps the patients make the most informed decision and confidently navigate their journey towards a cancer-free future.

References:

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/testicular-cancer/treatment/surgery/problems
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/testicular-cancer/treating/surgery.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/orchiectomy
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/life-after-testicular-cancer