Undescended testicle repair

Alternative names:

cryptorchidism repair; inguinal orchidopexy; orchidopexy; orchiopexy; repair of undescended testicle

Definition:

Surgery to correct undescended testes (cryptorchism). In normal fetal development, the testicles develop in the abdomen and descend into the scrotum during the last months before birth. In a small percentage (0.04%) of newborns, one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum.

Description:

While the child is deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), an incision is made in the groin, where most undescended testes are lodged. The spermatic cord is located and freed from surrounding tissues to maximize its length. A small incision is made in the scrotum and a pouch is created. The testicle is located and carefully pulled down into the scrotum. The testicle is stitched in place in the scrotum (orchidopexy) and the incisions are stitched closed.

Indications:

Orchidopexy is recommended for infants over 1 year of age whose testicles have not descended into the scrotum (cryptorchidism). It is more common in premature babies. Most often, only one side is affected. It is not unusual for undescended testicles to descend into the scrotum by one year of age; testicles rarely descend after the age of one year. Undescended testicles which remain in the abdomen for many years can cause infertility or malignant tumor in later years.