Orchidopexy

Orchidopexy, also known as orchiopexy, is a surgical procedure used to treat undescended testes (cryptorchidism) in males.

Indications

The primary indication for orchidopexy is the presence of undescended testes, which can increase the risk of complications such as:

• Infertility
• Testicular cancer
• Testicular torsion
• Hernias

Procedure

The orchidopexy procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. A general anesthetic is administered to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
2. An incision is made in the groin area, and the undescended testis is located.
3. The testis is then freed from any surrounding tissue and brought down into the scrotum.
4. The testis is fixed in place using sutures or other fixation methods to prevent it from moving back up into the abdomen.
5. The incision is closed, and the area is dressed with bandages.

Types of Orchidopexy

There are several types of orchidopexy procedures, including:

• Open orchidopexy: This is the traditional method, which involves making an incision in the groin area.
• Laparoscopic orchidopexy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera and light) to visualize the testis and guide the surgeon during the procedure.
• Microscopic orchidopexy: This is a variation of the open orchidopexy procedure, which uses an operating microscope to provide magnification and improve visualization during the surgery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with orchidopexy, including:

• Bleeding or hematoma
• Infection
• Damage to surrounding tissues or organs
• Testicular atrophy (shrinkage)
• Recurrence of undescended testis

Postoperative Care

After the procedure, patients typically require:

• Pain management with medication
• Rest and avoidance of strenuous activities for several days
• Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and remove sutures or staples

Outcomes

The success rate for orchidopexy is generally high, with most patients experiencing:

• Improved testicular function and fertility
• Reduced risk of complications such as testicular cancer and torsion
• Cosmetic improvement with the testis in its normal position in the scrotum