Before Surgery

Once a diagnosis of testicular cancer is made, you'll need to have at least one surgery.  Orchiectomy is the first step, then once pathology reports and scans come back, your doctor will decide if the RPLND surgery is right for you. 

What to expect during your initial consultation with your surgeon?

Prior to your initial consultation with your surgeon, it is important that patients obtain all x-ray films (CT scan, MRI, etc.) and reports pertaining to the diagnosis and bring them to your appointment.  In addition, pathology slides may be requested to confirm your diagnosis of testicular cancer.  Your surgeon will then review your information to determine the best possible course of action.   

All alternatives and options for treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation will be discussed with you during that time.   A physical examination will be preformed as well.  If suregery is deemed necessary, a date will be scheduled.

What to expect prior to surgery? 

Once you have a date for surgery, the items listed below will be ordered as necessary based upon your age and medical history.  You will also have a pre-operative anesthesia appointment where you can ask the anesthesiologist any questions you have regarding the risks and benefits of the different types of anesthesia. 

  • Physical Exam

  • EKG (electrocardiogram)

  • Chest X-Ray

  • CBC (complete blood count)

  • PT/PTT (blood coagulation profile)

  • Pulmonary Function Tests

  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (blood chemistry profile)

  • Urinalysis

Preparation for surgery: 

Medications to Avoid Prior to Surgery

The following is a list of medications to avoid at least 7-10 days before surgery.  Many of these medications can alter platelet function or your ability to clot blood.   

Asprin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Alka Seltzer, Vitamin E, Ticlid, Coumadin, Lovenox, Celebrex, Voltaren, Vioxx and Plavix. 

Your physician will provide a formal list to you. 

Bowel Preparation and Clear Liquid Diet

Patients should adhere to a clear liquid diet 48 hours prior to surgery.  An example of a clear liquid diet is listed below.  In addition, bowel preparation with Fleet Phospho-Soda or Magnesium Citrate may be prescribed to you.   Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.

Clear Liquid Diet

Clear liquids are liquids you are able to see through. 

  • Water

  • Clear broths such as chicken or beef (no cream soups, noodles, meat, etc.)

  • Juices (no orange or tomato juice) apple juice, apple cider, grape juice, cranberry juice, hawaiian punch, Lemonade, Kool-Aid, Gatorade

  • Tea or Coffee (you may add sweetener but no cream or milk)

  • Jell-O popsicles or Italian Ice without fruit