Orchidopexy

Orchidopexy (or orchiopexy)

Surgery to move undescended testicles to their correct position in the scrotum.

What is an undescended testicle?

In the womb, a baby boy's testicles form within his abdomen before they descend into the scrota. Sometimes one testicle, or both, will remain inside the abdomen after birth.

An orchidopexy is a surgical procedure to correct the condition and return the testicle to its normal position in the scrotum.

Need to know

What happens during surgery?

The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic. Your child's consultant will usually carry out the procedure through a small incision on the groin and a small incision on the scrotum. This will free up the testicle and bring it down into the scrotum. If the consultant finds a small, underdeveloped testicle that is unlikely to function, they will usually remove it. The surgery usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour in the theatre.

How to prepare

Your child's consultant will talk you through the procedure, including any possible risks and side effects, they can all answer any questions you may have and let you know how long beforehand your child should avoid eating and drinking.

After surgery

This surgical procedure is usually carried out as a day case so your child should be able to go home the same day.

You'll be advised on how to care for the area around the cuts, and when your child can return to their normal routine.

In older children, it's usual to go back to school about a week after this type of procedure, and they should avoid playing sports or riding a bicycle for six weeks.