An orchiopexy is a surgical procedure used to correct an undescended testicle or testicular torsion. If a testicle has not descended, a surgeon will move the testicle into the scrotum and fasten it with sutures. Or, if the testicle has rotated and caused the spermatic cord from which it is suspended to twist, an orchiopexy may be performed to disentangle the spermatic cord so that blood can be supplied to the testicle.
The Orchiopexy Procedure
An orchiopexy is performed under general or epidural anesthesia, and is meant to correct two specific urological conditions: testicular torsion and an undescended testicle.
- Testicular Torsion- Torsion of the testicle requires immediate intervention to avoid tissue death and removal of the testicle. The condition occurs when the testicle rotates, causing the spermatic cord from which it is suspended to twist and cut off the blood supply to the testicle. Ninety percent of torsions are caused by a birth defect called “Bell clapper deformity.” This is when the testis fails to attach to the inner lining of the scrotum, and instead floats freely.
- Undescended Testicle- Undescended testicle is another condition that could require an orchiopexy. During fetal development, the testicles form in the abdomen and move down into their scrotal sack shortly before birth. In approximately 34 percent of infants, one or both of the testicles fail to make the trip down to their permanent home in the scrotum. The testicle becomes “stuck” somewhere along the route, often either in the abdominal cavity or the inguinal (groin) canal.
Orchiopexy Complications and Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks of infection, allergic reaction to anesthesia and bleeding. Possible complications specific to orchiopexy include:
- Blood clots in the scrotum
- Damage to the structures and/or tissues of the testicle
- Inadequate blood supply, which can lead to atrophy (shrinkage)
There is also a small chance that the testes could reascend, which could require another procedure.
Recovery after an Orchiopexy
Recovery after an orchiopexy depends on whether it was used to treat an undescended testicle or testicular torsion. Typically, a patient can go home the same day if the procedure was used to treat an undescended testicle. However, if the procedure was complicated because the testicle was located high in the abdomen or inguinal canal, he may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. In either case, pain medication is usually prescribed for pain, and antibiotics are given to prevent infection.
