What is an orchidopexy?
An orchidopexy is an operation to bring a testicle down into the scrotum. The testicles develop in a baby boy's abdomen when he is in the womb. The testicles usually move down into the scrotum by 35 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes a testicle does not come down normally (see figure 1).
What are the benefits of surgery?
Surgery should prevent your child from having serious complications. Your child’s fertility should improve and he will find it easier to examine his testicles to check for any problems.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
If a testicle has not reached the scrotum by the age of six months, it is unlikely to do so without surgery.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Your surgeon will usually perform the operation through a cut on the groin and a small cut on the scrotum. They will free up the testicle and bring it down into the scrotum.
If your surgeon finds a small testicle that is unlikely to function, they will usually remove it.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
- Bleeding
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Developing a lump under the wound
- Shrinking of the testicle
- Prevention of sperm passing to the penis
- The testicle may return to its original position
- Reduction in fertility of a testicle that is brought down
How soon will my child recover?
Your child should be able to go home the same day.
It is usual for children to return to school after about a week.
Your child should not play sports or ride a bicycle for six weeks.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Shailinder Singh DM FRCS (Paed. Surg.), Mr Gregor Knepil FRCS (Ed.) and Mr Jonathan Sutcliffe FRCS
Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © 2013 Medical-Artist.com
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EIDO Healthcare Ltd
Last updated:
June 2015
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