Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of the study is to evaluate results and outcomes in a long-time follow-up period, by performing a novel testicular fixation procedure, known as “fat anchor orchidopexy” (FAO), for the treatment of palpable low inguinal undescended testis.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent scrotal orchiopexy technique, from May 2013 to May 2019, at the Pediatric Surgery Division of Department of Surgical Pathology, University of Pisa (Italy). FAO (Spinelli’s technique) consists in anchoring the testicles to sub-scrotal fat with a single trans-scrotal incision. All the patients enrolled had history of unilateral or bilateral undescended testis. Data collected included patient’s age, operative times and complications.ResultsA total of 150 children with cryptorchidism were treated using a single trans-scrotal orchiopexy. Of them, 130 patients (86.7%) had unilateral undescended testis and 20 (13.3%) bilateral cryptorchidism. Mean patient’s age was 21 months (range: 14–28 months). All the procedures were planned in a day-surgery setting. Trans-scrotal orchiopexy was successful in all cases and no patients required an additional groin incision. No intraoperatively and postoperatively major complications were observed. Patients’ post-operative pain was mild (mean pediatric visual analog scale = 2). In all cases, the healing process was rapid and no surgical wounds infections were reported during the post-operative period, referring excellent cosmesis results. During a mean 48-month follow-up period, no testicular retraction, recurrence or testis atrophy was reported.ConclusionThe original Spinelli’s technique (FAO) proves to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of palpable or distal-to-external-inguinal-ring testes. No immediate and delayed post-surgery complications were reported. In all cases, the anchored testicle remained in the scrotal position with normal vascularization. This novel surgical technique could give better options for scrotal fixation in case of low-lying cryptorchid testes.
Highlights
Undescended testis (UDT), is defined as a failure of a single testis or both, to descend into a scrotal position [1]
We performed a retrospective analysis of 150 children with cryptorchidism, who underwent the “fat anchor orchiopexy” from May 2013 to May 2019 at the Pediatric Surgery Division of Department of Surgical Pathology, University of Pisa (Italy)
The fat anchor orchiopexy technique was performed in 150 patients: 130 (86.7%) presented UT-UDT, 20 (13.3%) had BT-UDT
Summary
Undescended testis (UDT), is defined as a failure of a single testis or both, to descend into a scrotal position [1]. Most cases of UDT are unilateral (UT), as well as from 10 to 20% both testes are involved (bilateral, BT) [2, 3]. Its incidence varies between 3 and 5% in full-term newborn babies, depending on the geographical region, ethnic group and socioeconomic status [4,5,6]. UDT is associated with abnormal testicular development and semen motility, and to an incorrect morphology, leading to hypotrophy and longterm infertility issues [7, 8]. As complementary to surgical treatment, may improve sperm maturation and later semen parameters in boys with UDT [16, 17].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
