Fowler-Stephens Orchidopexy Research Articles

Comparative Outcomes of Single-Stage versus Two-Stage Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens Orchidopexy: A Systematic Review snd Meta-Analysis.

Intra-abdominal testis (IAT) remains a challenging and controversial subset within the management of cryptorchidism. While Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy (FSO) is still being advocated as the gold standard for the treatment of this entity, there is new and conflicting evidence on the comparative outcomes between single- or two-stage laparoscopic FSO (LFSO). The aim of the study is to investigate whether staging has benefits in children receiving LFSO. We searched the PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Trials databases for studies comparing single- with two-stage LFSO in children from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2023. We assessed the identified studies for quality and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The main outcome measures examined were success rate (in terms of the scrotal position of the testis) and testicular atrophy, which were analyzed using fixed effect models. We included 17 eligible studies that involved a total of 499 operated testes. The overall success rates of single- and two-stage LFSO were 79.4 and 90.3%, respectively. The overall testicular atrophy rates of single- and two-stage LFSO were 17.3 and 11%, respectively. Fixed effect model analysis showed that two-stage LFSO is significantly superior to single-stage LFSO in overall success rate (odds ratio [OR: 2.57]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50-4.39, p = 0.0006) and testicular atrophy rate (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28-0.79, p = 0.004). There is no heterogeneity in the reports, and the funnel plot showed no publication bias. Two-stage LFSO remains the first choice of operation for children with a high IAT, with a significantly higher success rate and a lower testicular atrophy rate.

A comparative study between two techniques of laparoscopic orchiopexy for intra-abdominal testis.

Introduction:Several techniques have been described for laparoscopic orchidopexy in patients with intra-abdominal testes. We aimed to report our experience with the staged laparoscopic traction orchiopexy (Shehata technique) and to compare it to the Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy (FSLO).Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study at two pediatric surgery departments from 2017 to 2020. Fifty-six patients underwent laparoscopic exploration and the testis was intra-abdominal in 41 of them. Patients with vanished testis or those who underwent open orchidopexy or vessel-intact laparoscopic orchidopexy were excluded. Those who underwent FSLO (n = 18), or Shehata laparoscopic orchidopexy (n = 11) were compared.Results:Preoperative data were comparable between both the groups. FSLO had a significantly shorter first-stage operative time (34.61 ± 6.43 vs. 58 ± 9.39 min, P < 0.001), with no difference in the second stage. There was no difference in the initial position of the testes between both the techniques. The testis dropped from the fixation position in three patients in the Shehata group (27.27%), and consequently, the cord did not increase in length by the second stage, and these testes barely reached the scrotum. At 12 months’ follow-up, the testes’ size, position, and consistency were comparable between the two groups.Conclusion:Staged laparoscopic traction orchidopexy is feasible for the management of intra-abdominal testes, especially in the low-lying testes.

Bipolar diathermy as another method for testicular vascular division in laparoscopic two-stage Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy

Objective The current study assessed the outcome of the two-stage laparoscopic Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy (LFSO) for intra-abdominal testis (IAT). Testicular blood vessels were divided by two different methods, bipolar diathermy or the conventional clipping method. Summary background data The shortness of testicular vessels may play a role in making the surgical approach in IAT a technical challenge and can hinder the dragging of the testicles to the scrotum. Patients and methods We reviewed 31 records of pediatric patients who underwent operations for IAT between July 2010 and July 2017, using the two-stage LFSO. We evaluated methods used for dividing the testicular vessels in the first stage. We evaluated the intrascrotal position and testicular size. Success was defined as a nonatrophic, intrascrotal testis. Results Two-stage LFSO was performed in 31 boys with 39 IAT. The mean age at the first stage was 32.18 months and at the second stage was 42.25 months. Two methods were used to divide the testicular vessels in the first stage of the LFSO, which were clipping by metallic clips (5 mm) in 25 testes and bipolar diathermy (3 mm) in 14 testes. With an average follow-up of 16 months, the preoperative volume was maintained in 97.43% of the testes, whereas 94.87% of the testes were intrascrotal. One testicular atrophy was reported in the clipping group. Two testicles were outside the scrotum within the bipolar coagulation group. Conclusion Two-stage LFSO is safe and feasible. Bipolar diathermy could be used as an alternate method for dividing testicular vessels. Keywords : Fowler–Stephens, intra-abdominal testis, laparoscopic, laparoscopic Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy, nonpalpable testes, orchidopexy, pediatrics

Gubernaculum Testis and Cremasteric Vessels Preservation During Laparoscopic Orchidopexy for Intra-Abdominal Testis: Effect on Testicular Atrophy Rates

PurposeGubernaculum-sparing laparoscopic orchidopexy (GSLO) - which involves anatomical delivery of the testis through the internal inguinal ring (IIR) - has been proposed as an alternative to Conventional Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens Orchidopexy (CLO) maximizing collateral blood supply and potentially reducing atrophy rates. Herein, we test this hypothesis by comparing the 2 techniques. Materials and MethodsThe primary (dependent) outcome of this study was the rate of testicular atrophy, which was defined as palpation of a nubbin or the inability to palpate a testis (complete atrophy) on postoperative physical examination at 3 and 12 months. Doppler ultrasound was obtained routinely to further confirm the diagnosis of testicular atrophy. The following independent variables were captured: age at surgery, type of procedure (CLO vs. GSLO), surgical approach (single vs. 2-stage), location of IAT (high vs. low), and patency of the IIR ResultsMean and median age at surgery were 25.7±13.3 and 22 months respectively. Laparoscopy was carried-out for NPT, showing: vanishing IAT in 120 (29%), peeping testes in 80 (19%) and IAT in 212 (51%; 104-low and 108-high). A 1-stage procedure was performed in 44(21%) cases and 2-stage in 168 (79%). CLO was undertaken in pts 46 (22%) and GSLO in 166(78%), based on surgeon preference. The overall atrophy rate was 6.6% (14/212). 13 of 46 testes atrophied after CLO vs 1 of 166 following GSLO (28.3% vs 0.6%, p=<0.01). ConclusionsGSLO is a feasible alternative to CLO. Our findings suggest that preservation of additional vascular supply to the testis (cremasteric vessels and deferential artery as opposed.

Problem of Treatment of Abdominal Cryptorchidism by Orchidopexy of Fowler-Stephens from a Literature Review

The purpose of this work is to show the importance of the testicular artery and the deleterious effects of its injury from a literature review. There were 75 papers relating the testicular vascularization during the period from 1949 to 2017, coming from base electronic data. The corresponding articles concerned retrospective and prospective studies, review articles published in journals with editorial board, reading and science committee. These articles were written in French and English. The results show the success rate of the Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy was varied. The testicular artery maintains testicular thermoregulation, has an endocrine and nutrition roles, besides it was the artery of fertility. The intratesticular anastomoses weren’t seen between the testicular, cremasteric and differential arteries to rats, human and other mammalians. The testicular artery is the only artery that irrigates the testicular parenchyma. However, studies have observed extratesticular communications between the testicular, deferential and cremasteric arteries. In conclusion, the testicular artery is the main artery providing blood supply to the testicle. This artery plays an important role from a physiological point of view. Its lesions have important consequences on the functional and structural future of the testicle. This invites the strict respect of this artery during surgery spermatic cord or its environment.

Orchidopexy in children with Prader–Willi syndrome: Results of a long-term follow-up study

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare (1:20.000) genetic condition affecting both males and females. Among other features, in boys, the syndrome is characterized by cryptorchidism in 86-100% of cases, hypogonadism, delayed puberty and infertility. The aim of the present study is to appraise the results of orchidopexy in this selected population of children. A follow-up study of children with PWS treated for undescended testes at a single institution over a 20-year period was performed. Patients were identified from a National PWS registry and reviewed at a special follow-up clinic. Data were collected from electronic and hard copies records and reported as median (range). Thirty-three children (1-17 years) were identified. Co-morbidities were present in 22 (66%) and 15 (45%) were on growth-hormone therapy. Six patients (19%) had normal testes palpable in the scrotum; twenty-seven (81%) had undescended testes and required orchidopexy. Thirteen (48%) underwent a bilateral procedure for a total of 40 procedures. A 2-stage Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy was required in 2 (7%) testes. At surgery hypotrophic testes were documented in 6 (22%) patients. Age at orchidopexy was 1.4 years (0.5-5.5). Age at FU was 7.2 years (1.7-17). Length of follow-up is 3.5 years (0.4-14). At follow-up 16 (40%) testes were of normal size and palpable in the scrotum; 7 (17.5%) testes required redo-orchidopexy. All patients (6/33) over 16 years of age that had testosterone levels tested had values below normal limits after successful orchidopexy. This study evaluates the results of orchidopexy in a large population of children with PWS. At follow-up, only 40% of testes were of normal size and in the scrotum. This information should be taken into consideration for patients' management and pre-operative parents' counseling.

Surgical exploration for impalpable testis: Which should be first, inguinal exploration or laparoscopic abdominal exploration?

PurposeTo discuss an optimal surgical approach for impalpable testis in children, our own treatment results and those reported in the literature were reviewed. Materials and MethodsSeventy-two impalpable testes were diagnosed in 68 patients: unilateral in 64 patients and bilateral in 4 patients. All patients underwent surgical exploration at the ages of 6 to 140months (median, 15months). The inguinal canal was initially explored, and abdominal exploration was performed with laparoscopy when an extra-abdominal testis was not identified. In addition, articles regarding surgical exploration for impalpable testis, published over the last 20years, were retrieved and the results were examined. ResultsTestes were detected by inguinal exploration in 28 of 72 (39%) impalpable testes: intracanalicular in 22 testes and at the internal inguinal ring (peeping or low abdominal testis) in 6 testes. All these testes were treated by conventional inguinal orchidopexy. Laparoscopic exploration was performed in 44 (61%) impalpable testes, and 4 (5.6%) high abdominal testes were detected and treated by two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy. Vanishing or absent testis was the final diagnosis in the remaining 40 testes (55.6%). The literature review showed that the ratios of intra- and extra-abdominal testes were lower in the articles that reported the results of inguinal or scrotal exploration than in those of laparoscopic exploration, although the difference was not significant. ConclusionsConsidering the relatively low incidence of high abdominal testis, we recommend to start with inguinal exploration for impalpable testis. When an extra-abdominal testis is not detected, transinguinal laparoscopic exploration should be indicated. Level of EvidenceTreatment study, Level IV.

Evaluation of two-staged Fowler–Stephens laparoscopic orchidopexy (FSLO) for intra-abdominal testes (IAT)

The best operative intervention for intrabdominal testis (IAT) has not been standardized as yet. The question of whether to bring down an IAT with a single-staged vessel-intact laparoscopic orchidopexy (VILO) or a two-staged laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy (FSLO) is still undergoing debate, with both the procedures being popular. The present study has been designed to evaluate the factors predicting the success or failure of two-staged FSLO for (IAT). 43 boys with 49 non-palpable testes underwent diagnostic laparoscopy out of which 35 underwent two-staged FSLO. Size of the testis was measured with a graduated probe in both stages. Independent variables such as age, height, testis-to-internal ring distance (T-IR), neo internal ring-to-midscrotal distance (NIR-MS), and mobility-to-contralateral ring (MCIR) were analysed. Postoperatively 34 IATs were followed up clinically as well as ultrasonologically after 6 months, to see for the size, position, and vascularity. Based on this, the patients were divided into two groups, Group A (successful) and Group B (Failed). 24 IATs had a successful outcome (Group A) and 11 were failure (Group B). The overall success rate of the study was 68.6%. The difference in mean age of patients in both groups was insignificant (p = 0.89) (Fig. 1), and similarly, the difference in mean height was insignificant (p = 0.61). The difference in mean T-IR in both the groups was insignificant (1.85 versus 2.77cm; p = 0.09) and mean NIR-MS was 5.41cm in Group A and 5.10cm in Group B, and the difference again was insignificant (p = 0.23). The success rate of FSLO was 68.6%. None of the above-described independent variables have any effect on the outcome of two-staged FSLO. While VILO remains the treatment of choice for IAT located at or near the ring, but IAT higher than this, two-staged FSLO gives a better chance for achieving intra-scrotal orchidopexy.

Continuous-type splenogonadal fusion: A case report.

Splenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare congenital malformation. Since it lacks characteristic features, very few cases of SGF have been diagnosed preoperatively. Laparoscopy was effective in both diagnosing and surgically treating this condition. Herein, we reported left side SGF in a male patient who was diagnosed during laparoscopic exploration, and Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy was implemented at the same time. The patient was followed up for one year. At a 6-month follow-up, the left scrotum demonstrated swelling and the internal contents were hard. An ultrasound of this testicle indicated non-uniform, splenic-like organization. However, at the one-year follow-up, the volume of splenic-like organization was reduced but the testicular size did not exhibit further atrophy.

Current Practice and Outcomes in the Management of Intra-abdominal Testes.

Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy is the most widely used technique for the surgical management of intra-abdominal testes with laparoscopy being the preferred approach. The aim of this study was to review all two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexies performed in one pediatric surgical unit over a 7-year period. A retrospective case series of all patients undergoing two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy was performed. Primary outcome measure was testicular atrophy at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included testicular atrophy at second-stage operation and testicular ascent requiring redo surgery. A total of 83 two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy were performed, with outcome data available for 67. Median age at first stage was 1 year 11 months. No testes had undergone atrophy at the second-stage laparoscopy. Median follow-up was 1 year. The overall success rate was 86.4%. Seven patients were noted to have an atrophic testis at the initial clinic review. Five patients required redo orchidopexy for testicular ascent. Of these, two patients had a successful result, two patients subsequently had testicular atrophy and one awaits redo surgery. We conclude that Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy has a relatively good outcome. The rates of reoperation after the two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy were low in this study. Overall success rate compares very favorably to published literature.

Testicular outcome following laparoscopic second stage Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy

ObjectiveTo assess outcome after laparoscopic second-stage Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy (L2ndFSO). Patients and methodsRetrospective review of 94 children (aged 0.75–16 years, median 2.75 years), who underwent L2ndFSO for 113 intra-abdominal testes between January 2000 and May 2009: 75 unilateral, 19 bilateral (11 synchronous; 8 metachronous). Follow-up (range 3 months–10.9 years, median 2.1 years) was available for 88 children (102 testes: 71 unilateral, 31 bilateral). ResultsTesticular atrophy occurred in 9 out of 102 (8.8%), including 8 out of 71 (11.3%) unilateral and 1 out of 31 (3.2%) bilateral intra-abdominal testes (multivariate analysis: p = 0.59). Testicular ascent ensued in 9 out of 102 (8.8%), comprising four (5.6%) unilateral and five (16.1%) bilateral testicles (multivariate analysis: p = 0.11). Of the 18 bilateral testes brought to the scrotum synchronously none atrophied and four (22.2%) ascended, compared to one (7.7%) atrophy and one (7.7%) ascent among the 13 testes brought to the scrotum on separate occasions (Fisher exact test: p = 0.42 and p = 0.37, respectively). Mobilization of the testis through the conjoint tendon tended towards less ascent (multivariate analysis p = 0.08) but similar atrophy (p = 0.56) compared to mobilization through the deep-ring/inguinal canal. Logistical regression analysis identified no other patient or surgical factors influencing outcome. ConclusionsThis is the largest series of L2ndFSO to date. A successful outcome is recorded in 85 out of 102 (83.3%) testicles. Atrophy occurred in 8.8% and ascent in 8.8%.

Outcome of surgical management of non-palpable testes

Background:We reviewed the success rates of orchidopexies performed for non-palpable testes at our institution and correlated preoperative and intraoperative findings to eventual outcomes.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively reviewed ninty five medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic exploration for the assessment of a non-palpable testes between 1996 and 2009. Intra-operative data for one hundrad eight non-palpable testes were collected. Operative success was defined as a testis comparable in size or slightly smaller than the contra-lateral testis with normal consistency on the last follow-up.Results:There were seventy (65%) viable testes at exploration, thirty one nubbins (29%) removed and 7 (6%) absent. In the seventy six unilateral cases, contra-lateral hypertrophy was found in twinty five (33%) testes. Of which, twinty one (84%) were associated with absent testes or finding of a nubbin rather than a viable testis. In contrast, absent testes or finding of a nubbin was noted in 12 of 51 (23.5%) patients without contra-lateral hypertrophy. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Mean follow-up was seventeen months. Of the fifty testes in which the testicular artery was preserved, 7 were lost to follow-up and 3 of the remaining fourty three (7%) were atrophic. The twinty testes that underwent Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy (FSO) had a similar rate of atrophy, with only 1 (5%) atrophic testis identified following staged FSO (P > 0.83).Interpretation:Testicular atrophy rate was similar in both artery sparing and Fowler-Stephens orchidopexies. Contra-lateral hypertrophy was significantly associated with absent testes or finding of a nubbin rather than a viable testis.

Multi-incisional transumbilical laparoscopic surgery for nonpalpable undescended testes: A report of 126 cases

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of multi-incisional transumbilical laparoscopic surgery for the management of nonpalpable undescended testes. Material and methodsA series of 126 patients with 162 nonpalpable undescended testes underwent transumbilical laparoscopic surgery. Their mean age was 1.8years (range, 1.1–6.5years). Of the 126 cases, 73 were left-sided, 17 were right-sided, and 36 had bilateral cryptorchidism. Primary orchidopexy and the Fowler–Stephens procedure were used to mobilize the testes. ResultsAll the operations were successfully performed without intraoperative complications. No additional ports or any conversions to an open procedure were required. Of the 162 nonpalpable undescended testes, 21 were absent or atrophied. One-hundred thirteen testes underwent primary orchidopexy, and 28 cases underwent a Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy. Patients were followed-up for 6–15months. Only one case of testicular retraction was observed, and all others maintained a good size and the correct position. The scars were hidden within the umbilicus. ConclusionTransumbilical laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for nonpalpable undescended testes, and leaves no obvious abdominal or inguinal scar.

Risk of Hernia Occurrence Where Division of an Indirect Inguinal Sac Without Ligation Is Undertaken

We sought to ascertain the risk of inguinal hernia occurrence when division of the processus vaginalis is undertaken without ligation, in the context of laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy. A cohort of patients with intra-abdominal testes subjected to a two-stage Fowler-Stephens procedure was reviewed. Analysis of a 68-month period between November 2005 and August 2011 was performed. A comprehensive search of the literature was undertaken, and these data were compared with previously published studies of patients undergoing orchidopexy or herniotomy where the peritoneal defect was not closed. The procedure was undertaken as previously described, with a conventional first stage using a three-port technique. No attempt was made to approximate the peritoneal margins of the processus vaginalis/hernia or close the internal ring at the second stage. In our own experience 17 patients with undescended testes (2 with bilateral cases) underwent laparoscopically assisted, gubernaculum-sparing, Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy. Median age at first operation was 1.86 years (range, 1-9 years). All 17 patients had successful surgery with all 19 testes palpable within the scrotum at postoperative assessment at 3 and 6 months. No direct, indirect, or incisional hernias were noted at a mean follow-up of 2.7 years (standard deviation 1.71). Our experience and reports in the literature do support simple division of the indirect hernia sac as a tenable alternative to ligation. The result of this limited review would support a prospective randomized trial comparing ligation with simple division of hernia sacs.

Initial Success with Gubernacular-Sparing Laparoscopic-Assisted Fowler-Stephens Orchidopexy for Intra-abdominal Testes

A single surgeon's 5-year experience of preserving the gubernaculum in laparoscopic-assisted Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy is reported. Thirty-six cases of impalpable testes are considered. Sixteen patients were confirmed as having intra-abdominal testes, with 20 testes considered to be absent/vanished. At follow-up, all testes had a similar volume to the contralateral testis except for one that had been considered hypoplastic at the initial operation. Mean follow-up was 612 days. The method and potential importance of gubernacular preservation in this situation are discussed.

Laparoscopic Orchidopexy in Boys with Prune Belly Syndrome—Outcome and Technical Considerations

Cryptorchidism is an ubiquitous feature in prune belly syndrome (PBS). Laparoscopic orchidopexy allows dissection of the spermatic cord with minimal morbidity. We discuss the technical difficulties and outcome of three boys with PBS who underwent two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy (F-SO). Three boys, ages 1, 2, and 4, underwent laparoscopic F-SO. All boys had viable testes that were found within 3 cm of the deep inguinal ring. The testicular vessels were either ligated bilaterally with 4/0 polyglactin or monopolar diathermy was used and the vessels divided. Bilateral second-stage F-SO was performed within 6 months in two boys and limited to one side in the third boy. One boy awaits the contralateral second stage. All three boys have adequately sized gonads. Based on our experience, the port incisions should be smaller than routine practice to prevent air leak in PBS. Although the intra-abdominal pressure of 12 mm Hg did not vary from our normal practice, a high flow rate is necessary after initial insufflation (6 L/min) to compensate for inevitable gas leaks because the abdominal wall is so thin. Risk of diathermy injury to the thin abdominal wall and the vessels is significant. Laparoscopy enables easy visualization of the ureter, testes, and testicular vessels and permits complete dissection of testicular vessels. It is easier to maintain integrity of spermatic vessels. Use of radially expanding trocars, small incisions, and high gas flow rates permit this procedure to be performed safely with good outcome and cosmetic results in this challenging group of boys.

Role of Laparoscopy in Diagnosis and Management of Nonpalpable Testes

There is still a lot of controversy among urologists with regard to the treatment of nonpalpable (intra-abdominal) testes. This is a prospective randomized comparative study between open and laparoscopic orchidopexy for abdominally located testes. It is an assessment of the usefulness of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and definitive treatment of nonpalpable (abdominally located) testes. Methods: For a span of 5 years, orchidopexy was performed for 64 patients between the ages of 1 to 15 years (mean age of 4.6 years) with nonpalpable (intra-abdominal) testes. In all, 75 testes were involved in the study during which some had laparoscopic and open Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy while others had laparoscopic orchidectomy. One stage Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy was performed laparoscopically for 28 testes; 17 had two stage Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy. Laparoscopic orchidectomy was done for five testes. Postoperative follow-up consisted of clinical and color Doppler utrasonography. This was done for all who underwent orchidopexy. Results: The diagnostic convergence of US and laparoscopy was 16 out of 75 testes (21.3%). Laparoscopically 20 testes were located low intra-abdominally (26.6%), 17 were in the category of high intra-abdominal testes (22.7%). 18 testes had entered the inguinal canal (24%). Four of the patients had associated hernia. Mean follow-up period was 26 months (1 month to 5 years) during which the testes where found in their respective hemiscrotums except for two testes which had atrophied and three which were retracted up the

Management of the Looping Vas Deferens During Laparoscopic Orchiopexy

A number of variables should be assessed during laparoscopic orchiopexy, including vas anatomy. A looping vas deferens enters the inguinal canal and loops back to the abdominal cavity. This anatomical variant is not uncommonly encountered. Some groups considered this condition in their laparoscopic classification of nonpalpable testis. We present our experience with managing the looping vas during laparoscopic orchiopexy. We identified this condition in 18 procedures. In 14 cases it was possible to bring the vas back to the abdominal cavity. In 3 cases the loop could not be brought back laparoscopically and an inguinal incision was used. After the vas was dissected free and dropped into the abdominal cavity pneumoperitoneum was resumed and the procedure was completed laparoscopically. A Web based survey was done to test the value of this method. A total of 17 procedures were completed successfully with preservation of the vas deferens while in 1 the vas was inadvertently cut. A looping vas did not significantly affect operative time. All 18 testes were viable and retained the scrotal position on followup scrotal Doppler ultrasound. Verification of vasal anatomy is a crucial step that should be completed before any dissection. Bringing a looping vas back to the abdominal cavity is usually feasible laparoscopically but in a few cases this may require a small incision to dissect the vasal loop from its inguinal attachments.

Single- vs. Two-Stage Fowler-Stephens Orchidopexy: Are Two Operations Better than One? A Retrospective, Single-Institution Critical Analysis

Aim: To compare the outcomes of patients with abdominal testes undergoing single-stage Fowler-Stephens (FSI) vs. two-stage (FSII) procedures. Patients and Methods: Between 01/1993 and 06/2009, a total of 41 children (median age 24.5 months) with 50 abdominal testes were treated. Orchidopexy was performed according to the surgeon’s choice, resulting in 33 FSI and 17 FSII open procedures. In this retrospective study the charts of all children followed in our outpatient department at one, three and 12 months postoperatively and afterwards annually by the use of volumetry and color Doppler-sonography were reveiwed. Data regarding testicular position, size (consistency), and atrophy were recorded. Results: In FSI, the overall success rate was 79%: 64% (21/33) were of normal size with a normal scrotal position; 15% (5/33) were not at the deepest scrotal point, and 21% (7/33) developed testicular atrophy. In FSII, the overall success rate was 82%: 76% (13/17) were found to be of normal size and 6% (1/17) were not at the deepest point of the scrotum, and 18% (3/17) developed testicular atrophy. Conclusions: In this consecutive series there were no significant differences observed between the two procedures with regard to size, blood supply, position, or atrophy rate of the testes.

Laparoscopic Single-stage Fowler-Stephens Orchidopexy in a Case of Orchidogastric Fusion

This report describes laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy for cryptorchidism resulting from orchidogastric fusion in an infant born with gastroschisis. At 11 months of age, the left testicle remained impalpable, and diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Intraoperatively, a normal-appearing testicle was found attached to the stomach. The testicle was dissected, mobilized down to the left inguinal ring, exteriorized through a transscrotal trocar, and subsequently fixated in the lower left scrotum. On follow-up 5 months later, both testicles were normal in size and location. Single-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy is easily accomplished in cases of orchidogastric fusion resulting from a long vas deferens.