Scrotal Orchiopexy and Classic Inguinal Orchiopexy for Unilateral Palpable Undescended Testes: A Randomized Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Undescended testis is a frequent anomaly in boys. Scrotal orchiopexy [SO] is gaining popularity over inguinal orchiopexy [IO] because of its simplicity.The aim of the work: This study compared the outcome between SO and classical IO in unilateral palpable undescended testes.Methods: Seventy boys with unilateral, palpable undescended testes were included in this study from January 2019 to December 2020. They were assigned to the SO and IO groups randomly using a lottery. The operative time and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. The boys were followed up for six months to 2 years.Results: The SO group had a significantly shorter operation time [35.26±5.153minutes] than in the IO group [52.46±3.86minutes] [p<0.001]. One boy in the SO group and five boys in the IO group developed wound infection, which was not statistically significant. Scrotal hematoma, testicular atrophy, and testicular reascent were not seen in any group. No patient in the SO group required conversion to IO.Conclusion: SO is a simple procedure that requires less time and minimum tissue handling. As a result, it causes less pain and better cosmetic outcome than the IO procedure.

Keywords

• undescended testis
• scrotal orchiopexy
• inguinal orchiopexy