Undescended testicle repair

Definition

Undescended testicle repair is surgery to correct undescended testes (cryptorchism).

See also: Undescended testicle

Alternative Names

Description

As a baby grows in the womb, the testicles develop in the infant's abdomen and drop down into the scrotum during the last months before birth. In some newborns, however, one or both testicles do not move down into their proper 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 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 within the scrotum, the surgeon unties it from the surrounding tissue 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.

Indications

This surgery is recommended for infants older than 1 year whose testicles have not descended into the scrotum (cryptorchidism).

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

• Bleeding
• Infection

Expectations after surgery

Undescended testicle repair is successful in most cases. A small percentage (10%) of individuals will have fertility problems. (See: infertility)

Men who have had undescended testicles should be examined monthly, throughout their lives, to detect any possible tumor development. Individuals with undescended testes have higher rates of testicular cancer than those with normal testicular development.

Convalescence

The surgery may be done on an outpatient basis. Bed rest is recommended for the first 2 to 3 days. Strenuous activity, including bicycling, should be avoided for at least 1 month to allow rehabilitation of the testis in its new position.