Experience with laparoscopy in nonpalpable testis.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and benefits of diagnosis and interventional laparoscopy in those paediatric patients with nonpalpable testes (NPT).
Methods: Between 1992 and 1999, 75 patients with NPT (mean age 3 years, range 6 months to 14 years) were treated. 86 testes were evaluated.
Results: According to the laparoscopic findings 4 groups of testes were identified: Vanishing testis (n = 32), low abdominal testis (< 2 cm to the internal ring) (n = 26), high abdominal testis (> 2 cm to the internal ring) (n = 24) and intersex patients (n = 4). Of the first group, 19 testes (one bilateral) had blind-ending spermatic cord and vessels and if an atrophic testicular tissue was identified, it was removed laparoscopically. For those with spermatic cord and vessels beyond the internal ring (13 testes), atrophic testes were removed through a high scrotal incision. 19 testes of the second group had a laparoscopy-assisted orchidopexy. In the same group a laparoscopic orchidopexy was performed on 7 testes. 24 testes in the 3rd group had a Fowler-Stephens (FS) stage 1 and 18 testes had a laparotomy performed for FS stage 2 procedure (laparotomy and orchidopexy) after 6 months. At laparotomy there was no evidence of testicular atrophy in all but one testis, which was removed and the FS stage 2 procedure was completed in 17 testes. The follow-up period was between 6 months and 4 years, and two more testicular atrophies were noted after FS stage 2. The results were satisfactory in 15 out of 18 testes (83%). In the intersex group, the patient with testicular feminization underwent laparoscopic orchiectomy. The other patient with bilateral nonpalpable testis was identified as having an uterus and two intraabdominally located gonads on laparoscopy and gonadal biopsies were obtained for diagnosis. Histology demonstrated bilateral ovotestes, confirming the diagnosis of a true hermaphrodite.
Conclusions: We are of the opinion that laparoscopy decreases the number of laparotomies in NPT, allows a single-stage procedure in low abdominal testis, and facilitates clip ligation of the testicular artery in high abdominal testis. Laparoscopy also provides diagnostic and therapeutic options for vanishing testis and intersex patients.