Orchidopexy

What is Orchidopexy?

Orchidopexy is a surgery to lower the undescended testicle into the scrotum. Testicles develop in the abdomen and slowly move down into the scrotum (sac below the penis). Undescended testicle is a condition in which the testicles remain in the abdomen at birth and do not descend into the scrotum. Most often, the testicle(s) resume their normal position in the scrotum three to six months after birth, but those that do not descend require surgical treatment within 2 years of age.

Procedure for Orchidopexy

The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon makes a small incision in the groin area to detect the undescended testicle. Once the testicle is located it is moved into the scrotum with a second excision. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable stitches. The entire procedure takes about 40 minutes to complete.

Risks Associated with Orchidopexy

As with any surgery, orchidopexy may involve certain risks and complications which include bleeding, bruising, swelling, infection, withdrawal of the testicles into the groin and damage to the vas deferens (tube that connects the testicles to the urethra) and blood supply to the testicle.