Microvascular autotransplantation of the testis: the "refluo" technique.

Abstract

We think that the microvascular orchidopexy is the best technique for the treatment of the high intraabdominal testis. To prevent the problems related to the performing of the anastomosis between the spermatic and the inferior epigastric arteries we changed the traditional way for microvascular orchidopexy performing the venous anastomosis only, relying on the collateral deferential circle for the arterial supply; we called this technique the "refluo testicular autotransplantation". We supported our idea with an experimental investigation in rats and rabbits, with which we confirmed the efficacy of our proposal. This original technique, performed in 41 cases, allowed us to gain three important ends: a) reduction of the age at operation (under two years); b) reduction of the operating time (2 hours); c) improved success rate compared with the Fowler-Stephens technique or staged orchidopexy.