Surgery to move an undescended testicle, Opens dialog into the scrotum, Opens dialog is called orchiopexy or orchidopexy. Surgery is usually recommended by the time the baby is 18 months old.footnote 1 In most cases, a pediatric surgeon or a specialist who treats urinary problems in children (pediatric urologist) does the surgery.
Orchiopexy may also be done on older boys. In rare cases, it may be done on teens and adult men who have undescended testicles.
Depending on the location of the testicle, one or two small incisions are made in the scrotum, the groin, Opens dialog, or the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to reach the testicle and move it to the scrotum. Sometimes another type of surgery called laparoscopy, Opens dialog is used to move undescended testicles. It may be done when they are located high in the inguinal canal, Opens dialog or in the abdomen. In both types of orchiopexy, general anesthesia, Opens dialog is used.
Usually only one surgery is needed. But in some cases where the testicles are in the abdomen, orchiopexy may require two separate operations that are done several months apart.
This surgery (orchiopexy) can be done as an outpatient procedure, Opens dialog if it is uncomplicated. Sometimes a child needs a short hospital stay. The surgery for testicles that are just above the scrotum and for testicles that are low in the inguinal canal is usually much simpler than for testicles that are higher up in the canal or in the abdomen.
For at least 2 weeks after surgery, your child should avoid games, sports, rough play, bike riding, and other activities where there is a risk of an injury to the genitals.
The doctor will do a follow-up exam usually within 2 to 3 months after surgery.
Treatment makes it easier to find testicular cancer if this cancer occurs.
Surgery can boost a boy's self-esteem. An empty or partially empty scrotum can make a boy feel bad about himself and his body, especially during the teen years.
This surgery helps lower the risk of injury to the testicle. If the testicles are in the groin area, a boy has a higher risk for sports injuries and discomfort from seat belts.
Information about Orchiopexy for Undescended Testicle
Usually the outcome of this surgery is good, and the testicle is moved into the scrotum. But success rates vary by where the testicle is located at the time the surgery is done. In general, this treatment works well in almost all who need it.footnote 2
Possible complications include:
Infection.
Bleeding or blood clots in the scrotum.
Damage to the vas deferens, Opens dialog and the blood supply to the testicle. Without enough blood supply, the testicle may shrink (atrophy).
The testicle(s) moving out of the scrotum again (reascend) after surgery and needing more treatment. This is rare.
Citations
Kolon TF, et al. (2014). Evaluation and treatment of cryptorchidism: AUA guideline. Journal of Urology, 192(2): 337–345. DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.05.005. Accessed August 16, 2017.
Elder JS (2011). Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In RM Kliegman et al., eds., Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 19th ed., pp. 1858–1864. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Kolon TF, et al. (2014). Evaluation and treatment of cryptorchidism: AUA guideline. Journal of Urology, 192(2): 337–345. DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.05.005. Accessed August 16, 2017.
Elder JS (2011). Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In RM Kliegman et al., eds., Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 19th ed., pp. 1858–1864. Philadelphia: Saunders.
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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