Pronounced: or-kee-o-pecks-ee
Testiscles should lower from the abdomen into the scrotum before birth. Some boys are born with one or both testicles still inside the abdomen or groin. This is called undescended testicles. Orchiopexy is a surgery to lower the testicle(s) into the scrotum.
Undescended testes
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Orchiopexy is done to treat undescended testicles. The surgery may improve fertility. Undescended testicles also have a higher risk of developing cancer later in life. Having the testicle in the scrotum makes it easier to check for early signs of cancer.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. Your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Your child’s doctor will do the following before the surgery:
Talk to the doctor about your child’s medicines or any recent illnesses. You may be asked to have your child stop or start certain medicines before surgery.
Other things to keep in mind before the procedure include:
General anesthesia will be used. It will keep your child asleep during the surgery and block pain.
Small keyhole incisions will be made in one or both sides of the groin and in the abdomen. Long, thin tools will be passed through the incisions. They will allow the doctor to view and operate inside the body. First, the testicle will be examined.
Next, a pouch will be created in the scrotum. The testicle will be pulled down into the newly created pouch. Stitches will hold the testicle in place. The stitches will dissolve on their own. All other incisions will also be closed with stitches.
In some cases, a small button will be placed on the outside of the scrotum. The button will hold the testicle down until healing occurs. The doctor removes the button by cutting the stitches a few weeks after the procedure.
A medication may be given during the surgery to help manage discomfort after the procedure. In most cases, your child can go home from the hospital on the same day as the surgery.
1 hour per testicle
Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Medication will be given after the surgery to manage pain.
When your child returns home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
Be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions.
After you leave the hospital, contact the doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/
American Family Physician
http://www.aafp.org/afp/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Pediatrics Society
http://www.cps.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php
References:
Elyas R, Guerra LA, Pike J, et al. Is staging beneficial for Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy? A systematic review. J Urol . 2010;183(5):2012-2018.
Cryptorchidism. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated October 13, 2011. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Orchiopexy. Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota website. Available at: http://www.childrensmn.org/Manuals/PFS/Surg/018757.pdf . Accessed December 28, 2012.
Undescended testicle orchiopexy repair surgery. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh website. Available at:
http://www.chp.edu/cs/Satellite?c=eHA_Content_C&cid=1209404825839&pagename=CHP/eHA_Content_C/CHP/Template/CHP_Layout_04_Content_Page_Template
. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Wein AJ. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2007.
Last reviewed December 2012 by Mike Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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