Management of the impalpable testis: the role of laparoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of laparoscopy in the management of the impalpable testis.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of the clinical findings, interventions, and outcome in 87 consecutive boys undergoing laparoscopy for 97 impalpable testes.


RESULTS
Fifty seven testes were either absent (n = 35) or present as a small remnant (n = 22), which was removed at contemporaneous groin exploration. There were 27 intra-abdominal testes, including four hypoplastic testes, which were removed laparoscopically. The 13 remaining viable testes were located in the groin. Conventional orchidopexy followed laparoscopy for 21 testes, and was successful in 17 cases. Two stage laparoscopically assisted Fowler Stevens orchidopexies were performed for 13 intra-abdominal testes, with eight satisfactory results. Ultrasound evaluation significantly reduced the number of conventional orchidopexies following laparoscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopy is a rational and safe approach for precise localisation of the impalpable testis. Laparoscopically assisted two stage orchidopexy is a successful treatment procedure for intra-abdominal testes.
Baillie
C T
CT
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, UK.
Fearns
G
G
Kitteringham
L
L
Turnock
R R
RR
D000293:Adolescent; D000465:Algorithms; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D010173:Palpation; D012189:Retrospective Studies