Undescended testicles affect both men and women. It occurs due to the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum. This leads to testicular cancer, inguinal hernia etc., if it is left untreated.

The best surgical procedure is orchiopexy. Its main objective is to move a testicle from the groin and place it into the scrotum. This therapy is also responsible for the correction of testicular torsion. It is also known as orchidopexy or undescended testicle repair surgery.

What are testicles?

The testicles are oval-shaped organs, which make sperm and deliver an important hormone known as testosterone for male reproductive system. They mainly originate in the scrotum and extracted from the fibrous layer tissue. A doctor must check these body parts for testicular cancer and other symptoms in patients.

Types

This surgery is of different types. These are as follows:

Unilateral orchiopexy: This therapy is mainly useful for the correction of testicles at one side only.
Bilateral orchiopexy: The undescended testicles can be corrected on both sides.
Standard open inguinal orchiopexy: It involves a groin incision to position a testicle in the scrotum. This therapy is mainly applicable for extra-abdominal undescended testicles in patients.
Staged Laparoscopic traction orchiopexy: This procedure is applicable for intra-abdominal testes treatment but cannot be applicable for one-stage surgery. It is a safe and feasible method, which preserves blood supply and reduces testicular atrophy risk in individuals.
Laparoscopic orchiopexy: A doctor performs this usual technique for the treatment of intra-abdominal testicles in a single or multiple stages. It is best suitable for highly palpable or imperceptible testicles.

Advantages

The benefits of this procedure are as follows:

It places a testicle into the scrotum at a correct position, which aids in reducing injury risk that occur from sports, seat belt, tight clothing etc.
This method reduces higher risk in children with testicular cancer and provides them a better feeling in their bodies.
It is safe and effective treatment, which lowers side effects and improves health and fertility in patients.

Complications

This procedure also leads to several complications as other risks. These are as follows:

Unfavorable scarring
Anesthesia risks
Mass of clotted blood (hematoma)
Infection
Swelling
Bruising
Healing problems

Before Procedure

An individual must visit a healthcare provider for the evaluation of general health. The temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate are also measured during surgery.
If you take any prescription or other OTC prescriptions, then consult with your provider. Avoid using certain medications which increase bleeding risk such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs etc.
Before surgery, you will be provided with specific directions about giving food or drinks to your child. Most patients should not eat or drink anything during orchiopexy preparation. It is important for them to take prescriptions with a small sip of water.
Your groin can be washed thoroughly a day before surgical procedure. This assists in reducing infectious risk in patients.

During Procedure

A general anesthesia is provided so that a child can sleep comfortably and does not feel any pain. During surgery, the vital signs should be monitored by an anesthesiologist.

After this process, a sharp, sterile knife known as scalpel, can be used to make a small incision in the groin area for the location of undescended testicle and spermatic cord. The testicle will be checked whether it is healthy or not. A surgeon removes and replaces it with testicular prosthesis if it is unhealthy.

Your groin will be examined further and a surgeon will repair a hernia sac, if it is needed. This problem occurs due to pushing of an intestine with fat and fluid through a weak spot in the abdomen.

The spermatic cord will also be checked during surgical procedure. A hernia sac will get stitched if there is not enough length for the testicle to reach the scrotum.

After this process, a pocket named as Dartos pouch can be made through a small incision in the scrotum and inserts a small grasping tool, which pulls down the undescended testicle gently. The stitches will get dissolved in one or two weeks and a surgeon uses them for closing the incision.

A small incision can be made in the scrotum for testicular torsion. The spermatic cord will be unwinded for testicle examination.

The testicle will be attached to the scrotum when it looks healthy or replaces it with testicular prosthesis while being unhealthy.

After that, the incisions are closed with stitches.

After Procedure

The stitches should be covered with gauze or bandages after the surgery completion. An anesthesia will be stopped in the child’s body and they will be taken into the recovery room for monitoring their overall health.

If a healthcare provider determines that a child is fine, then he or she can go home after the procedure.

How to Prevent Complications from this Surgery?

A healthcare professional provides certain instructions for the patients. These are as follows:

Use a sponge bathe or shower to keep your incision clean and dry. Avoid using the bathtub for one week.
The scheduled appointments must be attended by a child.
It is important to follow a provider’s instruction before taking prescribed medicine.
A child must eat a balanced diet such as fruits, vegetables etc.
An enough sleep must be provided to a child for healing purposes.