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Undescended testicle repair
Definition Undescended testicle repair is surgery to correct undescended testes (cryptorchism). See also: Undescended testicle Alternative Names Orchidopexy; Inguinal orchidopexy; Orchiopexy; Repair of undescended testicle; Cryptorchidism repair
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
Risks for any surgery are:
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. Review date: 8/15/2006 Reviewed By: David R. Knowles, M.D., Advanced Urologic Surgeons, Mt. Vernon, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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