UROLOGY · CONDITIONS
Undescended Testis
Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum before birth , requires surgical correction in infancy to protect fertility and reduce malignancy risk.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Undescended Testis?
Cryptorchidism (undescended testis) is the most common genital abnormality in male infants, affecting 3–4% of term newborns. An undescended testis has impaired spermatogenesis due to elevated intra-abdominal temperature, and carries a 4–6 times higher lifetime risk of testicular malignancy. Orchidopexy before 18 months of age significantly reduces both risks. Dr. Vipin performs inguinal, laparoscopic, or Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy tailored to the location and vascularity of the undescended testis, offering the best chance of preserving testicular function.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Premature birth , descent incomplete at term
- Low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction
- Maternal oestrogen exposure during pregnancy
- Abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
- Anatomical gubernacular abnormality
- Genetic conditions , Klinefelter, Prader-Willi syndrome
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Orchidopexy ideally at 6–12 months. By 18 months at the latest for maximum benefit.
Palpable (inguinal) vs. non-palpable (intra-abdominal) , determines surgical approach.
Diagnostic laparoscopy and orchidopexy for non-palpable testes , confirms presence and viability.
Two-stage laparoscopic procedure for high intra-abdominal testes with short vessels , 6 months between stages.
Orchidopexy in infancy does not eliminate cancer risk but makes monthly self-examination possible.
Early surgery maximises spermatogenic potential in the affected testis.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Inguinal Orchidopexy
The testis is mobilised through an inguinal incision, the cord is freed to achieve length, and the testis is placed in a sub-dartos scrotal pouch , the standard treatment for palpable inguinal undescended testis.
- 1
Examination
Careful clinical examination differentiates undescended from retractile testis. Retractile testis is normal and requires only annual observation.
- 2
Imaging
Ultrasound for inguinal testes. MRI or diagnostic laparoscopy for non-palpable testes where imaging has failed to locate the testis.
- 3
Orchidopexy
Inguinal orchidopexy for palpable testes. Laparoscopic orchidopexy or Fowler-Stephens for intra-abdominal testes , performed ideally before 18 months.
- 4
Follow-up
Annual examination until puberty. Testicular self-examination taught in adolescence. Semen analysis in adulthood if fertility is a concern.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Inguinal Orchidopexy
Mobilisation through an inguinal incision and scrotal fixation of palpable inguinal undescended testes , the standard approach.
Laparoscopic Orchidopexy
Laparoscopic mobilisation and transfer of intra-abdominal testes , allows location, assessment, and single-stage correction.
Fowler-Stephens Orchidopexy (Two-Stage)
Stage 1 clips the testicular artery laparoscopically; Stage 2 (6 months later) mobilises the testis on collateral supply to the scrotum.
Scrotal Orchidopexy
Single scrotal incision for low-lying or ectopic testes that can be reached directly without an inguinal approach.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked
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