A Comparison between Single Scrotal Incision Orchiopexy and the Inguinal Approach in Patients with Palpable Undescended Testes Distal to the External Inguinal Ring

Abstract

Purpose: Single scrotal incision orchiopexy is emerging as an alternative to the traditional inguinal approach. The purpose of this study was to compare the operative time, success rates, and complications of single scrotal incision orchiopexy with the traditional inguinal approach. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the charts of patients with palpable undescended testes treated with a single scrotal incision or inguinal orchiopexy from April 2004 to April 2008. The position of the testis was confirmed under general anesthesia before any incision. Retractile and ectopic testes were excluded. We compared preoperative and postoperative testicular position, operative time, prevalence of patent processus vaginalis, and complications between the two groups. Results: There were 43 patients who had palpable undescended testes below the external inguinal ring. A total of 57 orchiopexies were performed in 43 patients by either the single scrotal approach (group 1; n=25, mean age 3.121.99 years) or the inguinal approach (group 2; n=32, mean age 2.561.92 years). The average operative times for groups 1 and 2 were 39.767.66 and 53.316.33 minutes, respectively (p