Removal of a testis (or testicle). This may be performed either via a skin incision in the groin (for potential testicular tumour) or through the scrotum (for non-cancerous causes).

Surgery is usually done under a short general anesthesia.

As the testicles form and develop near the kidneys in a fetus, the blood supply, lymphatic drainage and nerves to the testicle originate near the kidney on that side. Therefore, testis cancer has a very predictable pattern of spread. The primary landing zone for metastases from testis cancer is the lymph nodes of the retroperitoneum — the area around and between the aorta and inferior vena cava at the level of the kidneys. Therefore, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is an important surgical option for men with testis cancer.

Traditional open method is associated with significant morbidity and scar covering the whole length of abdomen. Minimally invasive option can be considered as these patients are usually young the prognosis after cancer treatment is usually very good.

Often times, it may be recommended that men with penile cancer undergo surgery. In certain situations removal of the penis (called penectomy), in part or in whole, may be recommended depending on location and size of tumour; additional procedures may accompany the penectomy and include removal of the scrotum and lymph nodes.

For certain patients with penile cancers, inguinal lymph node dissection might be performed. It was not a popular surgery as it is often associated with high risk of complications related to wound and lymphatic leakage. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery allows more precise surgery and preservation of skin vascularity therefore minimizing surgical complications.