This literature review highlights the surgical management of recurrent urological malignancies after primary ablative therapy. In particular, recurrent nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT) post-chemotherapy, recurrent bladder cancer post-cystectomy, loco-regional recurrence of prostate cancer after radiotherapy, and loco-regional recurrence of renal cell carcinoma after radical nephrectomy. The indications, operative technique, complications and outcomes of each malignancy are discussed.