SINGLE SCROTAL INCISION ORCHIDOPEXY FOR PALPABLE UNDESCENDED TESTIS

Single Scrotal Incision Orchidopexy

Abstract

Objective: To retrospectively asses the results of single scrotal incision orchidopexy (SSIO) performed at our centre with ligation of the patent processus vaginalis in children having palpable undescended testes (UDT).
Study Design: Quasi-experimental with retrospective data
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatric surgery Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from April 2007 to December 2011.
Patients and Methods: After making a single transverse incision at superior scrotal border, the testis was identified; gubernaculum and the sac were dissected to the highest level and divided. The testis was placed into the scrotum and fixed to the scrotal fascia/skin. All patients were assessed at 2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months post operatively, and then yearly.
Results: A total of 38 orchidopexies were performed in 33 patients. The patients’ age ranged from 14 months to 7 years (mean: 2.1 years). Bilateral UDT were found in 5 patients (15.1%). Operative time ranged from 20 to 45 minutes (mean: 36 minutes). The single scrotal incision technique was successful in all 38 cases (100%). All testes were easily fixed in the scrotum. Two patients (5.2%) developed scrotal haematoma and one patient (2.6%) developed stitch abscess. All showed good anatomical and cosmetic results up to a minimum of six months of follow-up.
Conclusion: Single scrotal incision orchidopexy for palpable undescended testis is a simple and safe technique. It has shown to consume shorter time and give good cosmetic results.