Orchiopexy for Undescended Testicle
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Orchiopexy is surgery to move one or both of your child's undescended testicles from his lower abdomen into his scrotum.
HOW TO PREPARE:
The week before your child's surgery:
- Tell your child's surgeon about all medicines your child currently takes. The surgeon will tell you if your child needs to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. The surgeon will tell you which medicines your child should take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Your child may need blood or urine tests. He may also need an ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Ask your child's healthcare provider for more information about these tests.
The night before your child's surgery:
You may be told not to let your child eat or drink anything after midnight.
The day of your child's surgery:
- Give your child only the medicines his surgeon told you to give.
- An anesthesiologist may talk to you before your child's surgery. Your child may be given medicine to make him sleepy before the surgery.
- You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal paper (consent form). It gives your child's surgeon permission to do the surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen and your choices for treatment. Be sure all your questions have been answered before you sign this form.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
What will happen:
- Your child may be given anesthesia medicine to make him drowsy or fall asleep. Your child's surgeon may use a laparoscope to see the undescended testicle and do the surgery. A laparoscope is a long thin tool with a light and video camera at the end. The surgeon will make an incision on your child's groin near the inguinal canal. This is the space where the testicles would normally descend from the abdomen to the scrotum. The surgeon may also make an incision at the upper part of your child's scrotum.
- Your child's surgeon will move tissues aside to find the undescended testicle. The surgeon will cut any tissues attached to the testicle and spermatic cord to let them move freely. The spermatic cord supports the testicle and connects it to the other organs in the reproductive system. The surgeon will widen the inguinal canal and prepare a pouch in the scrotum. The testicle will be pulled through the canal and put it the pouch. If the spermatic cord is too short, another surgery may be needed to move the testicle farther down.
- Stitches will be used to hold the testicle in place so that it will not get twisted. The incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical tape and covered with bandages.
After your child's surgery:
Your child may stay in a recovery room until he is fully awake. Healthcare providers will watch your child closely for any problems. When healthcare providers see that your child is okay, he will leave the recovery room. Depending on his condition and type of surgery, he may be taken to his hospital room or allowed to go home. A healthcare provider may remove the bandages soon after your child's surgery to check his wounds.
CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:
- You cannot make it to your child's appointment on time.
- Your child is irritable or fussy.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's surgery.
Risks
Your child may bleed more than usual during surgery or get an infection later. His testicle may move back up again later and he may need another surgery. Blood vessels that carry blood to the testicle may be cut or damaged during surgery. This can cause your child's testicle to shrink. This could affect his ability to father children later in life.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
