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Orchiopexy—Laparoscopic

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Orchiopexy—Laparoscopic

(Orchidopexy—Laparoscopic)

Definition

Orchiopexy is surgery to lower the testicles into the scrotum. Testicles should move down from the belly into the scrotum before birth. Some babies are born with one or both testicles still inside the belly or groin. This is called undescended testicles.

Undescended Testicles.

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Reasons for Procedure

Undescended testicles can cause problems later in life, such as infertility and testicular cancer. This surgery is done to move the testicle to where it should be.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Injury to nearby structures
  • Damage to testicle
  • Testicle moves back into the groin

What to Expect

Problems To Look Out For

Call the doctor if your child is not getting better or has:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
  • Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or discharge from the incisions
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain that cannot be controlled with medicine
  • Changes in how often your child urinates, how much urine they have, or how the urine looks or smells
  • Problems urinating
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of hunger

If you think your child has an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies your child may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you give your child and whether you need to stop giving them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Cryptorchidism. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cryptorchidism.
  • Orchiopexy: Surgery for undescended testicles. About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children website. Available at: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1010&language=English.
  • Paediatric urology. European Association of Urology website. Available at: https://uroweb.org/guidelines/paediatric-urology.
  • Undescended testicle surgery (orchiopexy). Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia website. Available at: https://www.chop.edu/treatments/surgery-undescended-testicles-orchiopexy#.VZBqk010xMs.

Contributors

  • Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated:
2022-12-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.