Last updated: 14-Nov-2026
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Dr Swati Shah
MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology)
Urology Cancer Surgeon
Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar · Gota OPD, Ahmedabad · 18 years of experience
IN SHORT
RPLND is an operation that removes the lymph nodes at the back of the belly, where testicular cancer spreads first. Most men with testicular cancer never need it.
It is considered for cancer that has reached these nodes, or for a lump left behind after chemotherapy. Blood markers and scans decide the plan.
A nerve-sparing technique protects the nerves that control ejaculation, so most men can still father children naturally.
Our main page on testicular cancer treatment in Ahmedabad covers the full plan. This post explains the lymph node operation, RPLND, in plain words.
RPLND means retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The retroperitoneum is the space behind the bowel, beside the spine.
Testicular cancer travels through lymph channels to a small group of nodes next to the big blood vessels there. These are the first nodes to catch cancer cells. RPLND removes this group in a planned, careful way.
RPLND is advised in a few set situations. After the testicle is removed, the stage, the blood markers and the scans point to the right one.
| Situation | What the surgeon looks at | Role of RPLND |
|---|---|---|
| Small spread to the back nodes, markers normal | CT scan and blood markers | One choice, along with chemotherapy |
| A lump remains after chemotherapy | Scan size and falling markers | Removes the lump and checks what it holds |
| Early stage, cancer limited to the testicle | Tissue report and risk features | Usually watchful follow-up is enough |
| Cancer that returns in the back nodes only | Scan and markers at the time | May be used in selected men |
Our post on how testicular cancer is staged and grouped by risk explains how these scan and marker findings are put together.
After chemotherapy, a leftover lump may hold dead tissue, scar, a mature growth called teratoma, or living cancer. Only the lab can tell which.
Scans cannot sort these apart. Teratoma does not respond to chemotherapy and can keep growing, so it is removed. Living cancer, if present, needs more treatment. Removing the lump gives a firm answer and clears the area.
The surgeon removes nodes from a defined area around the large blood vessels, while keeping the nerves that control ejaculation whenever it is safe.
The nerves that trigger ejaculation run through the area. If they are damaged, semen may go backwards into the bladder. Nerve-sparing technique aims to avoid this.
Many men keep normal ejaculation when the nerves can be kept. If they cannot be kept because of the cancer, the surgeon will tell you before the operation. Chemotherapy and surgery can both lower fertility. So men who want children should discuss storing semen before treatment begins. Our post on special situations in testicular cancer covers fertility and other points.
Most men stay in hospital for a few days. Light walking starts early, and routine work returns over a few weeks.
Our post on the follow-up schedule after testicular cancer treatment lists what each visit checks.
Ask why RPLND is advised for you, whether the nerves can be kept, and what the report will change.
No. Most do not. It is used only when the stage, markers or a leftover lump after chemotherapy make it the right step.
Yes, it is a big operation done near large blood vessels. It is planned with care and done by a surgeon experienced in cancer surgery.
Often yes, when the nerves can be kept. Storing semen before treatment adds a safety net.
In selected men it may be. Open surgery is chosen when the lump is large or sits close to major vessels.
Your team may advise chemotherapy or close follow-up, depending on the report. The plan is explained to you in person.
Yes. Dr Swati Shah sees patients at the Gota clinic and plans surgery at Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar.
Consultations at the clinic at Gota, Ahmedabad. Surgery at Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar.
Back to the main guide: Testicular cancer treatment in Ahmedabad.
Told you may need a lymph node operation for testicular cancer? Dr Swati Shah, a urology cancer surgeon, can go through your scans and marker tests and explain if RPLND is needed. Bring every report and scan. Call For Appointment Book on WhatsApp Tapping Book on WhatsApp will likely open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
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