Frequency of revision orchidopexy in Australia 1995–2014

Abstract

Background/aimInternational criteria currently suggest orchidopexy at 6–12months for congenital undescended testis (UDT). Some children require repeat orchidopexy for recurrent UDT. This study aimed to assess practice in Australia over a 20-year period. MethodsWe examined 20years of Australian orchidopexy data (1995–2014) from the Department of Human Services to explore the national revision orchidopexy rates over time. ResultsThe total number of orchidopexy revisions was 890 over 20years compared with 25,984 primary operations. More than 50% of all primary and revision orchidopexies in 0–14year-old boys were performed in major population centers of NSW and Victoria (which hold 52% male population of same age), with a small number of revisions on 15–24year-old males. The incidence of revision orchidopexy significantly decreased over the 20-year period in boys ages 0–14years old, from 276 operations between 1995 and 1999 decreasing to 165 operations between 2010 and 2014 (−53%), compared to a population increase of +15% (p<0.05). ConclusionThese data demonstrate a decrease in revision orchidopexy since 1995, which may be related to change in referral practice with more children undergoing orchidopexy (primary and revision) by pediatric surgeons over the 20-year period. Level of evidenceLevel IV. Type of StudyTherapeutic Case Series with no Comparison Group.