The unidirectional testicular tunneller: a simple, safe and novel device for orchidopexy in patients with palpable undescended testes

Abstract

Inguinal orchidopexy is already considered a safe procedure, this paper describes a simple new surgical instrument designed to make the operation easier, simpler and quicker, whilst reducing tissue trauma, in particular to the deep ring. The result of its use in two centres is presented. A unidirectional testicular tunneller has been developed comprising a head, shaft and eye. At operation, following testicular mobilisation, the tunneller is passed through the groin incision into the scrotum and a dartos pouch created by cutting against the head of the instrument. This allows more of a "no-touch" technique with less back and forth movement through the inguinal canal. The testis is attached to the eye of the instrument and pulled into the scrotum before fixation. From November 2000 to December 2011, two surgeons operated on 592 boys using the instrument. 93 procedures were bilateral. All operations proceeded without incident and a healthy testis was safely and permanently placed in the scrotum. There were no complications related to the use of the tunneller. All were treated as day cases. The instrument described in this paper simplifies inguinal orchidopexy, improves procedural safety and is felt to reduce surgical trauma. In view of these advantages and the absence of complications related to this instrument, its use in inguinal orchidopexy is recommended.