Undescended testicle repair

Description:
While the child is deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), an incision is made in the groin, where most undescended testes are lodged. The spermatic cord is located and freed from surrounding tissues to maximize its length. A small incision is made in the scrotum and a pouch is created. The testicle is located and carefully pulled down into the scrotum. The testicle is stitched in place in the scrotum (orchidopexy) and the incisions are stitched closed.

Indications:
Orchidopexy is recommended for infants over 1 year of age whose testicles have not descended into the scrotum ( cryptorchidism ). It is more common in premature babies. Most often, only one side is affected. It is not unusual for undescended testicles to descend into the scrotum by one year of age; testicles rarely descend after the age of one year. Undescended testicles which remain in the abdomen for many years can cause infertility or malignant tumor in later years.

What to Expect After:
Orchidopexy is successful in most cases. The long-term prognosis for hormone production and fertility is excellent.

Convalescence:
The surgery may be done on an outpatient basis. Bedrest is recommended for the first 2 to 3 days. Strenuous activity, including bicycling, should be avoided for at least 1 month to allow rehabilitation of the testis in its new position.

Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are:

Risks for any surgery are:

Costs:
The cost of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country.

Surgery charges can be separated into five parts: 1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiologist's fee, 3) the hospital charges, which includes nursing care and the operating room, 4) the medications, and 5) additional charges.

1. Surgeon's fee: averages $700 to $1,500
2. Anesthesiologist's fee: averages $350 to $400 per hour
3. Hospital charges: basic rate averages $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or private rooms)
4. Medication charges: $200 to $400
5. Additional charges: assisting surgeon, treatment of complications, diagnostic procedures (such as blood or X-ray exams), medical supplies, or equipment use.

Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance.


This is an internal view of the male reproductive system.