Early Experience with Laparoscopic Surgery for Undescended Testis at a Tertiary Hospital in Ibadan (2015-2019)

Abstract

Background: Undescended testis (UDT) is of concern to the patient. If not treated may be complicated by trauma, torsion, male sub-fertility, and testicular cancer. In Nigeria it is commonly treated by open orchidopexy or orchidectomy. We report our experience with the laparoscopic management of undescended testes in the Western part of Nigeria.
 Methodology: The aim of this study was to report our early experience with the laparoscopic treatment of undescended testis in our centre. The study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2019. The data studied were age, unilateral or bilateral UDT, operation performed, pre-and intra-operative findings, operation time, and the outcome. The data were represented in tables and with operative pictures. Ethical clearance was obtained.
 Results: A total 12 patients were treated which consisted of 7 children and 5 adults with a mean age of 11 (6-17) years and 35.2 (29-42) years respectively. Preoperatively, 9 patients had transperitoneal laparoscopic orchidopexy, orchidectomy or varicocelectomy. The laparoscopic findings were peeping testis (5), intraabdominal testis (8), intracanalicular (5), and one absent testis. All the post-orchidopexy testes remained in the scrotum at 18 months of follow up. In the adults, there was improvement in the semen parameters in 2 men while 3 had persistent azoospermia.
 Conclusion: In our setting, laparoscopy for undescended testis is feasible, safe, diagnostic, and therapeutic. In infertile men with undescended testis and unilateral varicocele, laparoscopic varicocelectomy results in improved semen quality.