✦ Undescended Testis Treatment

Inguinal Orchidopexy

Q: Why should orchidopexy be done at such a young age?

Spermatogenesis is progressively damaged by heat exposure after 6 months; early orchidopexy protects fertility and reduces future cancer risk.

Q: Is orchidopexy performed under general anaesthesia in babies?

Yes — inguinal orchidopexy is performed under general anaesthesia by a paediatric anaesthetist; it is safe and well-tolerated in infants.

Q: What happens if an undescended testis is not treated?

Untreated cryptorchidism results in infertility, increased cancer risk (10–40x), psychological impact, and risk of torsion. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Surgical Fixation of Undescended Testis Through an Inguinal Incision

45–60 min PROCEDURE

Day Care HOSPITAL STAY

>95% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Inguinal Orchidopexy?

Inguinal Orchidopexy is the standard surgical treatment for an undescended (cryptorchid) testis in boys, typically performed between 6–18 months of age. Through an inguinal incision, the testis is mobilised from its ectopic position, the patent processus vaginalis ligated, and the testis brought down to the scrotum where it is fixed within a dartos pouch. Early orchidopexy preserves spermatogenesis, reduces cancer risk, and allows testicular self-examination. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of Day Care. Success rates reach >95% in appropriately selected patients at experienced centres.

Boys with palpable undescended testis in the inguinal region, typically operated at 6–18 months of age before irreversible damage to the germinal epithelium occurs. Patients must be adequately fit for anaesthesia and free from active systemic infection before proceeding.

How the Procedure Works

Incision & Access

Inguinal incision exposes the spermatic cord and undescended testis.

Dissection & Mobilisation

Testis mobilised; patent processus vaginalis identified and ligated.

Cord Lengthening

Spermatic vessels and vas deferens fully mobilised to achieve adequate cord length for scrotal placement.

Dartos Pouch Creation

Dartos pouch created in the scrotum through a second small scrotal incision.

Testicular Fixation

Testis placed in the dartos pouch and fixed with absorbable sutures.

Outcomes

45–60 minDURATION

Day CareHOSPITAL STAY

>95%SUCCESS RATE

1–2 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Prevents progressive damage to the germinal epithelium from heat exposure.
→Reduces risk of malignant transformation of the undescended testis.
→Positions testis in the scrotum for routine testicular self-examination.
→Reduces risk of testicular torsion of the undescended testis.
→Psychological benefit of normal scrotal appearance in childhood.
→Improves fertility prospects when performed before 18 months of age.

"Orchidopexy is one of the most important operations we perform for boys. Bringing the testis down early protects spermatogenesis, reduces cancer risk, and gives every child the best chance of a normal reproductive future."

— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Why should orchidopexy be done at such a young age?+

Is orchidopexy performed under general anaesthesia in babies?+

What happens if an undescended testis is not treated?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

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