Purpose: To report our experience in surgical management of nonpalpable intraabdominal testis (NPIT) by inguinal orchidopexy without division of the spermatic vessels.
Methods: We reviewed the records of NPIT patients who underwent orchidopexy between 2012 and 2015. All patients were evaluated ultrasonographically. When the testis was not detected ultrasonographically, a laparoscopic exploration was performed. If the testis was found on laparoscopy, surgery was resumed through an inguinal incision. A follow-up was performed at 1week, 1, 3 and 6months.
Results: Twenty-one NPIT patients were treated, mean age 21.0±11.7months. Ultrasound identified 15 cases of NPIT (71%); diagnostic laparoscopy was performed in 6 (29%). All patients underwent an inguinal orchidopexy. At 1week, four testes were in a high scrotal position. At 6months follow-up, one testis was in a high scrotal position and one retracted up to the external inguinal ring. No atrophy was recorded.
Conclusions: Despite several attempts to find a surgical technique without any significant complications, all described procedures failed to meet the target. In our experience, inguinal orchidopexy is a safe, reliable and successful surgical procedure for the management of NPIT. It should be preferred to a technique requiring vascular division, burdened with a higher incidence of atrophy.
Type of study: Treatment study.
Levels of evidence: Case series with no comparison group.
Keywords: Inguinal orchidopexy; Intraabdominal testis; Laparoscopic orchidopexy; Nonpalpable testis; Undescended testis.
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.