[Laparoscopic treatment of the nonpalpable testis. Results]

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of laparoscopy in the management of the non palpable testis is to provide information regarding testicular presence and location to facilitate overall surgical management.

Materials and methods: We report our experience with laparoscopic orchiopexy to treat 39 nonpalpable testes in 32 patients, patient age ranged from 2.3 years to 14 years (average 4.18 years). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients for a 5-year period.

Results: At laparoscopy 11 testes were at the internal inguinal ring, these patients underwent one-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy without division of the spermatic vessels. 18 high intra-abdominal testes underwent two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. One Patient underwent laparoscopically assisted orchiectomy for atrophy, 9 testes were absent. At follow-up 6, 12 and 24 months after 26 of 29 (89%) testes are without atrophy, and in acceptable scrotal position.

Conclusions: The low incidence of complications and 89% success rate underscore the feasibility of laparoscopic orchiopexy. It is our procedure of choice for the management and treatment of nonpalpable testis.