Orchiopexy for Undescended Testicle

Surgery to move an Reference undescended testicle Opens New Window into the Reference scrotum Opens New Window is called orchiopexy or orchidopexy. It is usually performed on babies who are 9 to 15 months old. In most cases, a pediatric Reference surgeon Opens New Window or a specialist who treats urinary problems in children (pediatric Reference urologist Opens New Window) performs the surgery.

Orchiopexy may also be done on older boys and, rarely, on teens and adult men who have undescended testicles. Untreated undescended testicles are usually removed in adult men and teens who have gone through Reference puberty Opens New Window because of the increased risk of Reference testicular cancer.

Depending on the location of the testicle, one or two small incisions are made in the scrotum, the Reference groin Opens New Window, or the abdomen to allow the surgeon to reach the testicle and move it to the scrotum. Sometimes another surgical method called Reference laparoscopy Opens New Window is used to move undescended testicles when they are located high in the Reference inguinal canal Opens New Window or in the abdomen. In both types of orchiopexy, Reference general anesthesia Opens New Window is used.

Usually only one surgery is needed. But in some cases where the testicles are located in the abdomen, orchiopexy may require two separate operations that are done several months apart.

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