Contents:
Medical Video: Orchidopexy / Orchiopexy Surgical Procedure video
Definition
What is orchidopexy?
Orchidopexy is an operation to lower the testicles to the scrotum. Testicles form on the abdomen of a male baby while still in the womb. The testes usually go down to the scrotum at week 35 during pregnancy. Sometimes, the testes do not drop normally.
What are the benefits of undergoing orchid surgery?
Surgery can prevent your child from experiencing serious complications. Your child's fertility will increase and it's easier to examine testicular problems.
When does my child need to undergo orchidexex?
Orchidopexy surgery is needed if the testicle does not go down on its own until the baby is 6 months old. If the testis still does not go down, there are possible health risks, such as:
● trauma (torsion)
● hernia if a lump in the intestine passes through the same hole as the testis
● low fertility due to the temperature of the abdomen is higher than the scrotum, which affects sperm production in the testicles
● risk of testicular cancer
● low self confidence due to appearance problems
Prevention & warning
What do I need to know before my child undergoes orchidexex?
There are several possibilities why the testicles do not go down to the scrotum. However, usually the cause is unknown. Surgery for orchidopexy is done if the testis does not drop by itself after the baby is 6 months old. The operation is carried out to avoid health problems. This operation lasts a day and your child can go home the same day.
Are there alternatives other than surgery?
If the testis does not descend into the scrotum after the age of 6 months, there is no alternative other than surgery.
Process
What should my child do before undergoing orchidexy?
Your child will be given preoperative instructions, such as whether to eat before surgery. In general, your child must fast 6 hours before the procedure begins. Your child may be allowed to drink fluids, a few hours before surgery.
How do you process orchidex?
Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and lasts for around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The surgeon will make an incision in the groin and a small incision in the scrotum. The testicles will be lowered in the scrotum. If the surgeon finds a small testicle that is not functioning, this will be removed.
What should my child do after undergoing orchidexex?
Your child is allowed to go home the same day and can return to school after 1 week. Your child is prohibited from exercising or riding a bicycle for 6 weeks.
Complications
What complications can occur?
Like other procedures, there are several possible risks. Ask the surgeon to explain the risks to your child. Possible complications in the procedure can generally include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, DVT). In orchid surgery, specific complications that can occur include:
● the appearance of a lump under the incision
● the testicles shrink
● obstruction of sperm passes into the penis
● the testis can return to its original position
● decreased fertility in the lowered testes.
You can minimize the risk of complications in your child by following instructions from a doctor before surgery, such as fasting and stopping taking certain drugs.
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