SINGLE SCROTAL INCISION ORCHIOPEXY FOR THE PALPABLE UNDESCENDED TESTICLE

Abstract

We prospectively evaluated the Bianchi single high scrotal incision technique for orchiopexy in boys with palpable undescended testis distal to the external inguinal ring. A total of 60 Bianchi orchiopexies were performed in 48 patients. We identified a group with primary undescended and secondary ascended testis, and a trapped testicle associated with previous inguinal surgery, respectively. Testicular position and size were assessed at 6 weeks of followup. We evaluated group 1-34 patients with bilateral (8), right (17) and left (9) primary undescended testis, group 2-3 with secondary ascended testis and group 3-11 with bilateral (4), right (4) and left (3) trapped testis. Average surgical time was 15, 35 and 35 minutes, respectively. Four patients required conversion to a traditional inguinal incision to achieve adequate cord length. All but 2 patients had a palpable testicle of acceptable size compared with the contralateral mate in the dependent scrotum at the end of the operation and 6 weeks postoperatively. Those returning for 1-year followup had identical findings. In groups 1 and 2 a single testicle normal to palpation resided in a high scrotal position and 1 testis required secondary orchiectomy for infarction, respectively. Scrotal hematoma resolved spontaneously without injury to the testis in 1 case. No hernias were evident. A single high scrotal incision for palpable primary, secondary ascended or even trapped testis is well tolerated, cosmetically pleasing and associated with a short operative time. The complication rate is acceptably low.