Robotic Surgery for Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer treatment including robotic nerve-sparing RPLND. Focus on fertility preservation and ejaculatory function. Outcomes depend on disease stage and tumour type.
Testicular Cancer: The Highly Curable Disease.
This cancer most often affects young men between the ages of 15 and 45. It is usually detected as a painless lump or swelling in the testicle. If you notice any change, it requires immediate, definitive diagnosis. The initial step is always surgical removal of the testicle through the groin (Inguinal Orchiectomy). The excellent news is that even when cancer has spread, the cure rate is over 95% with modern treatment.
The Precision Moat: Navigating Complex Retroperitoneal Surgery.
Once the initial surgery is complete, depending on the type (Seminoma or Non-Seminoma) and stage, additional surgery called Robotic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND) may be necessary. This is a highly complex procedure performed deep in the abdomen, close to major blood vessels and critical nerves controlling ejaculation. Dr. Tushar utilizes robotic assistance to perform nerve-sparing RPLND, minimizing side effects like ejaculatory failure while ensuring precise removal of potentially cancerous lymph nodes.
Restoring Identity: Fertility and Prosthetics.
We understand that surgical removal of a testicle affects body image and worries about future fertility.
For nearly all patients, we offer a testicular prosthetic (implant) to maintain natural appearance.
Sperm banking is mandatory before starting any chemotherapy or radiation, and our care team assists with all coordination.
Post-operative support focuses heavily on psychological and sexual health, ensuring a confident return to normal life.
The High Cure Standard: 95%+ Survival.
For all stages of testicular cancer, the prognosis is excellent.
Curability is achieved in over 95% of cases.
Our focus is achieving this high survival rate while maximizing long-term quality of life, specifically maintaining hormonal balance and supporting functional recovery (ejaculation and fertility).
Treatment Outcomes & Sexual Function Considerations
Testicular cancer is among the most treatable solid tumours, with high response rates reported in published literature for early-stage disease. The robotic nerve-sparing technique is designed to help preserve ejaculatory function. Outcomes depend on disease stage, tumour type, and individual patient factors.
Curative Journey Map: From Diagnosis to Cure
A step-by-step roadmap designed to de-stress the diagnosis by clearly outlining the short, predictable treatment pathway leading to a high chance of cure.
Functional Recovery After RPLND: Robotic vs. Open
Quantitative comparison proving that choosing Robotic Nerve-Sparing RPLND significantly reduces the risk of long-term sexual side effects, preserving quality of life.
Select a phase to understand the detailed journey
Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer Summary
Testicular cancer typically presents as a painless enlargement of the testis. Often, attention is drawn to the affected testis after a minor or trivial trauma. Patients may also experience a decrease in sensation in the affected testis.
Types of Testicular Tumours
Testicular tumours are broadly classified into two categories:
Seminomatous tumours
Non-seminomatous tumours
The age of presentation, prognosis, and treatment modalities vary between these two types.
Diagnosis and Blood Markers
Initial distinction between the two types is made through measurement of specific tumour markers in the blood:
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (B-HCG)
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
A definitive diagnosis is established through histopathological examination following a high inguinal orchidectomy.
Note: Transscrotal biopsy or scrotal orchidectomy is not recommended due to oncological concerns and the risk of tumour spread.
Staging and Evaluation
CT scans of the chest and abdomen are used for staging, primarily to detect metastases to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
Treatment Approach
Treatment depends on:
The stage of the disease
The type of tumour (Seminoma vs Non-seminoma)
The levels of blood tumour markers
Early-stage disease: managed with high inguinal orchidectomy followed by active surveillance.
Advanced stages: may require chemotherapy, surgery (such as Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection – RPLND) or radiotherapy, depending on the tumour subtype.
RPLND can now be performed using a robotic surgical approach, offering the benefits of minimally invasive surgery — smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.