Undescended testicle repair
Definition
Undescended testicle repair is surgery to correct testicles that have not dropped down into the correct position in the scrotum.
See also: Undescended testicle
Alternative Names
Orchidopexy; Inguinal orchidopexy; Orchiopexy; Repair of undescended testicle; Cryptorchidism repair
Description
As a baby grows in the womb, the testicles develop in the infant's abdomen. They drop down into the scrotum during the last months before birth.
In some newborns, however, one or both testicles do not move down into the correct position. About half of these cases will descend within the first year of life without medical treatment.
Undescended testicle repair surgery is recommended for patients whose testicles do not descend on their own.
The surgery is done while the child is asleep (unconscious) and pain-free under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a cut in the groin, where most undescended testes are located.
After finding the cord that holds the testis in the scrotum, the surgeon unties it from the tissue around it so that the cord's full length is used. A small cut is made in the scrotum and a pouch is created. The testicle is carefully pulled down into the scrotum, and stitched into place. Stitches are used to close any surgical cuts.
In some cases, the procedure can be done laparoscopically, which involves smaller surgical cuts.
Risks
Risks for any anesthesia are:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
- Bleeding
- Infection
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
