Orchiopexy

Why is this procedure done?

The testes are small round organs located in the skin sac or scrotum that hangs between a mans legs. The testes are also called testicles. Sperm are made in the testicles. Sometimes, one of the testicles does not move from the belly into the skin sac as a baby develops. A testicle that does not drop is called an undescended testicle. The medical name for this condition is cryptorchidism. ‚
Doctors can do surgery to move the testicle into the right place. The surgery is called an orchiopexy. Most often this surgery is done when a child is between 9 and 15 months of age. The procedure can also be done in teens or adults. The surgery is done to: ‚

Move an undescended testicle into the scrotum. Moving the testicle may help prevent fertility problems.
Check for cancer or tumors in the testicle
Lower the risk of trauma or injury to the testicles

The doctor may do a biopsy while doing this procedure. A biopsy is done if the testicles are inside the abdomen or if the child is born with other diseases. ‚

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What will the results be?

The testicle will be moved to its proper place.
The testicle will then be felt inside the scrotum.

What happens before the procedure?

Your doctor will take your childs history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚

All the drugs your child is taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs your child takes with you.
Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell the doctor if you are giving your child any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
When your child needs to stop eating or drinking before the procedure.

Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚

Lab tests
Ultrasound

What happens during the procedure?

Once your son is in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in his arm to give him fluids and drugs. He will be given a drug to make him sleepy. The drug will also help him stay pain free during the surgery.
When he is asleep, the doctors put a tube in his mouth to help him breathe. Your son will have a tube in the bladder to drain urine.
This surgery may be done one of two ways:
- Open surgery ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor will make a cut in one or both sides of the groin or belly.
- Laparoscopic surgery ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor will make 3 to 4 small cuts in the belly and a cut in the scrotum. A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts. The doctor will put small surgical tools into the holes to do the procedure. The scope is connected to a video monitor in the operating room that lets the doctor see inside the belly and fix the testicle.
The doctor will find the testicle. The doctor will cut the tissues inside the scrotum to make a pouch. The doctor will pull the testicle down into the pouch and stitch the testicle in place.
The doctor will close the cut with stitches and cover the wound with clean bandages.
The procedure will take about an hour for each testicle.

What happens after the procedure?

Your son will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch him closely. Most children go home the same day, but he may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.
He may have numbness in his legs and groin. The numbness will go away after 1 to 3 hours.
Your son may feel some pain after the procedure and will receive drugs for pain as needed.
Let your child rest until the next morning.

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do to care for your child.
Your doctor may give your child drugs for pain and to prevent infection. Give the drugs as ordered by the doctor. Most children only need pain drugs for 1 to 3 days.
If there is swelling or bad pain, place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Talk to your doctor about how to care for your sons cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change his bandages
- When your son may take a bath or shower
- If your son needs to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When your son may go back to his normal activities like school or daycare
For 2 weeks after surgery, dress your child in snug briefs or diapers to support his groin area.
Prevent situations that cause straining in the belly, like crying, by keeping your baby's bottle and food handy.
Avoid letting your child use ride on toys, like trikes, for a week. School age children should avoid active sports for about 10 days.

What follow-up care is needed?

The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep your child's visits.
Your child may have stitches or staples. If so, the doctor will often want to remove the stitches or staples in 1 to 2 weeks.

What problems could happen?

Infection
Bleeding
Your child may have fertility problems as an adult, which means it is hard to have a baby.

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine.
Signs of wound infection such as swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
Pain not relieved by drugs
Problems passing urine or change in color and odor of the urine
Throwing up
Lack of energy

Where can I learn more?

KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/newborn_care/crypto.html# ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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