First results of the orchiopexy via scrotal approach

Objective: We present our first results with the technique described by Bianchi and Squire in 1989 for the surgical treatment of undescended testis by scrotal incision as an alternative to the traditional inguinal approach.

Methods: Prospective study of patients operated with the diagnosis of cryptorchidism with scrotal orchidopexy from October 2008 through July 2009. Methods: patients with inguinal palpable testis, scrotal orchidopexy, testicular position was assessed at 6 months and/or one year after surgery. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Retractile testes were excluded. We studied the preoperative localization of the testis, the average surgical time, presence or absence of the processus vaginalis, conversions to the traditional inguinal orchiopexy, complications and location of six months and one year after surgery.

Results: A total of 50 orchidopexy were performed in 39 patients during this period. Aged between 1 and 12 years (mean 5 years, median 4 years). Were located in the intraoperative exam under anesthesia, fifteen testes in the inguinal canal and 35 in the external inguinal ring. Operative times ranged from 15 to 60 minutes (mean 34 minutes). The processus vaginalis was patent in 25 procedures (50%) and were ligated via the scrotal incision. Two patients required conversion to a traditional inguinal approach. All testes were satisfactorily positioned in the scrotum and there were no cases de testicular atrophy or ascent, hernia o hydrocele formation with followup that ranged from 6 months to 1 year.

Conclusions: The technique of orchiopexy with scrotal approach is a safe, well tolerated and reliable method.