Low transscrotal orchidopexy is a safe and effective approach for undescended testes distal to the external inguinal ring.
OBJECTIVE
To review the results of a low transscrotal orchidopexy in patients with palpable undescended testes located distal to the external inguinal ring.


METHODS
Between July 1998 and June 2005, transscrotal orchidopexy with a single low scrotal incision was performed in 32 patients for 49 undescended testes. The indication was an undescended testis that lay distal to the external ring and could be pulled down manually into the scrotum under general anesthesia.


RESULTS
All testes that were treated with the low transscrotal approach were successfully fixed in the middle or lower portion of the scrotum. The mean operative time was significantly shorter for the low transscrotal orchidopexy (45.2 min) than for the inguinal orchidopexy (66.6 min) for 107 undescended testes at similar locations. The median follow-up duration was 39.1 months; all testes except 1 (97.7%) were located in a good position within the scrotum and had a good consistency; 1 testis ascended postoperatively and required inguinal orchidopexy. No inguinal hernias or hydroceles occurred after the surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Low transscrotal orchidopexy appears to be an excellent alternative to the standard inguinal orchidopexy for undescended testes located distal to the external inguinal ring.
Takahashi
Masayuki
M
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan. matakaha@clin.med.tokushima-u.ac.jp
Kurokawa
Yasushi
Y
Nakanishi
Ryoichi
R
Koizumi
Takahiro
T
Yamaguchi
Kunihisa
K
Taue
Ryuichi
R
Kishimoto
Tomoteru
T
Kanayama
Hiro-omi
HO
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012611:Scrotum / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*