Surgery for undescended testicle (orchidopexy)

During pregnancy, the testicles form inside the abdomen and then descend into the scrotum. In some boys, one testicle (sometimes both) stops on the way, most often in the groin: this is called an undescended testicle or cryptorchidism. When it has taken an abnormal path, it is called an ectopic testicle. In newborns, the testicle can still descend on its own during the first few months. If it is not in the scrotum by about 6 months of age, surgery is recommended, ideally before 18 months. A testicle left outside the scrotum develops less well; bringing it down early protects its function and makes it easier to examine later in life. The operation, called orchidopexy, is performed through a small incision in the groin crease and another in the scrotum: the surgeon frees the testicle and its cord, closes the small channel that has remained open, and then secures the testicle in the scrotum. When the testicle cannot be felt, laparoscopy (a small camera through the navel) is used to locate it and, depending on the case, bring it down in one or two stages. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, the child is cared for by a paediatric surgeon with anaesthesia adapted to his age, as a day-case procedure in most cases. Parents receive simple instructions for home care.