Total Inguinal Canal Mobilization in Two-Stage Orchiopexy

Abstract

Background: Many different techniques have been describedto treat undescended testes. We aimed to study a new techniqueof two-stage orchiopexy with total inguinal canal mobilizationto prevent cord damage and testicular atrophy.Methods: Between March 2002 and July 2005, we operated on16 testes with short spermatic cord. In the first stage, the testeswere anchored to the pubic tubercle and 6 months later (secondstage) they were fixed in the scrotum through total inguinal canalmobilization. The patients were followed up by pre andpostoperative physical examination, sonography of scrotum, andserum testosterone level measurement for 6-12 months.Results: Two of the 16 testes developed atrophy but 14 had volumeincrease. Mean testicular volumes of preoperative and 1 and6 months postoperative testes were 0.69 ± 0.22 ml, 0.84 ±0.26 ml,and 1.06 ±0.33 ml respectively. The volume increase was not onlysignificant 1 (P=0.012) and 6 (P=0.002) months after the secondoperation compared with the first operation but also a significantincrease in the volume was noted between the 1st and 6th monthafter the operation (P=0.003). All testes were in scrotum after 6-12 months and the patients had normal serum testosterone levelfor their ages before and after the operation.Conclusion: Two-stage orchiopexy with total inguinal canalmobilization prevents vascular damage in the second stage ofoperation.

Keywords

• Undescended testis
• testicular atrophy
• inguinal canal