Orchidopexy For Descended Testis

What Is An Orchidopexy?

Before birth, a boy’s testicles are located high in the belly. When the baby grows, the testicles drop through the opening and pass into the scrotum which holds testicles outside the body. In some cases, it might not drop and stay in the abdomen area. This is known as cryptorchidism.
For this situation, orchiopexy surgery is scheduled. The surgery is essential to repair the undescended testicles because of the following reasons:

• Bringing the testicles to its position will make it function better and it will not get damaged.
• Undescended testicles are at increased risk of testicular cancer. Bringing the testicular back to its position will help the doctor to do the routine physical examination and check for abnormalities.

What type of anesthesia is needed for the surgery?

General anesthesia is needed for the surgery so that your child feels relaxed during the entire treatment. The surgery is much safer and easier to perform with general anesthesia. With this, the patient does not feel pain for around 4 hours in the area following the surgery.

How to prepare for the surgery?

Before the surgery, the nurse will give you specific instructions regarding drinking and eating according to your child’s age.

Treatment

Normally, the treatment of ureteral cancer requires surgery. Based on the size and position of the disease, how destructive the cells are, and the priorities and desires, the care choices for ureter disease can differ.

For infants under 12 months:

• Up to 4 hours before the scheduled arrival time, breastfed babies may nurse.
• Up to 6 hours before the scheduled arrival time, the formula may be fed to the babies.

For children older than 12 months:

Before the surgery at midnight, make sure to not give any solid food or non-clear liquids which include formula, milk, chewing gum, candy, or juices with the pulp.

For children

• Only clear liquids can be given 2 hours before the arrival time for the surgery. This includes water, Kool-aid. Pedialyte, juices (white grape or apple juice).
• 2 hours before the surgery do not give anything to drink or eat.

What about the surgical procedure?

In the groin area, over the testicles, a small incision is made. The doctor will locate the testicles and bring it back to its place. In the scrotum area, a second incision is made. Stitches or tiny sutures which dissolve on its own will be placed under the skin. This is done so that the testicles do not get pulled back from the scrotum. The incision is covered with a simple dressing that you will be informed about how and when to change. Once the incision is fully healed, the child will have a small scar. The entire surgical procedure takes one hour.

What to keep in mind when you go home?

Once your child has discharged and goes home, he might feel uncomfortable and he needs to take rest for the following day:

• The nurse will give you instructions on how to take care of the child’s dressing. For the dressing, you will be prescribed ointment to be used.
• Make sure to follow the bathing instruction following the surgery.
• The doctor will let you know when your child can resume normal activities.
• The doctor will let you know when your child can eat and drink.