Laparoscopy for the impalpable testes: experience with 80 intra-abdominal testes.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens (FS) orchidopexy for intra-abdominal testes.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed of the clinical findings, interventions and outcomes in 111 boys undergoing laparoscopy for 132 impalpable testes.


RESULTS
The median age was 5.7 years (1.1-14.6 years). Twenty-seven testes were absent. Eighty testes were intra-abdominal, of which 10 were removed laparoscopically due to anatomical anomalies (4), short spermatic cord (5) or atresia (1). Twenty-five testes were located in the groin. Laparoscopic FS procedure was performed for 65 intra-abdominal testes: 60 two-stage operations and five where the testes were removed during FS second stage due to short vas or testicular atrophy. Outcome was successful in 80%. One-stage laparoscopic orchidopexy without vessel division was performed in five intra-abdominal testes with satisfactory results in three. In general, the success rate is higher in boys with bilateral intra-abdominal testes, probably due to younger age at operation.


CONCLUSIONS
At our centre two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy for intra-abdominal testes showed results comparable to most other studies, but less satisfactory than a couple of recent studies. The median age at referral was higher than recommended. Operation at an earlier age may further improve the results.
Hvistendahl
G M
GM
Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital - Skejby, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. g.hvistendahl@dadlnet.dk
Poulsen
E U
EU
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000379:methods