Orchidopexy for a Palpable Testicle (child)
This webpage will give you information about an
orchidopexy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is an orchidopexy?
An orchidopexy is an operation to bring a testicle down into the
scrotum. The testicles develop in your child’s abdomen and usually
move down into the scrotum by 35 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes a
testicle does not come down normally (see figure 1).
Figure 1: The aim of an orchidopexy
What are the benefits of surgery?
The operation should prevent your child from having serious
complications. Your child’s fertility should improve and they will
find it easier to examine their testicles to check for any
problems.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
If a testicle has not reached the scrotum by the age of six
months, it is unlikely to do so without surgery.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes between three-quarters of an hour and an hour.
Your surgeon will perform the operation through a cut in the
groin and a small cut in the scrotum. They will free up the
testicle and bring it down into the scrotum.
If your surgeon finds a small testicle that is unlikely to
function, they will usually remove it.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Bleeding
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Developing a lump under the wound
- Shrinking of the testicle
- Prevention of sperm passing to the penis
- The testicle may return to its original position
- Reduction in fertility of a testicle that is brought down
How soon will my child recover?
Your child should be able to go home the same day.
It is usual for children to return to school after a week.
Your child should avoid sports activities and riding a bicycle
for six weeks.
Summary
An orchidopexy is an operation to bring a testicle down into the
scrotum. If left untreated, serious complications can happen.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Jonathan Sutcliffe FRCS, Mr Shailinder Singh FRCS
(Paed. Surg.) and Mr Gregor Knepil FRCS (Ed)
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare
Limited
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