Two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy in the management of intra-abdominal testes.
Of 22 boys with an intra-abdominal testis 8 (12 testes) underwent the 2-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. During stage 1 the testicular artery and internal spermatic vein were ligated in situ 2 to 3 cm. superior to the intra-abdominal testis. The testicular vessels were transected inferior to the ligatures 6 months later and the testis was brought to the scrotum with the standard Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy technique. Patient age ranged from 1 to 6 years (mean 3.2 years). At followup 11 of 12 testes (92%) are in the scrotum and have a normal consistency and size, while 1 (8%) is atrophic. In this preliminary series the 2-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy has a success rate equal or possibly superior to the standard Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. Whether ultimate testicular function is improved, however, remains to be determined.
Department of Urology, Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
J S
JS
Elder
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods; D013737:Testis / Q000601:surgery*