Undescended testicle surgery

ORCHIDOPEXY


Undescended testicle surgery, which is known as orchid​opexy, is an operation to bring a testicle down into the scrotum

Enquiries & Appointments

London Bridge Hospital _Sept 23_151.jpg

What is an undescended?

The testicles develop in a baby boy's abdomen when he is in the womb. They usually move down into the scrotum by 35 weeks of pregnancy. But sometimes a testicle doesn't descend normally.

If a testicle hasn't reached the scrotum by the time a baby is six months old, it's unlikely to do so without surgery. At HCA UK, we can carry out this surgery, known as an orchidopexy.

Need to know

This operation is carried out under general anaesthetic, which means your child will be asleep during the procedure and shouldn't feel any pain. The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to one hour in theatre.

Your surgeon will usually perform the operation through an incision in the groin and an incision in the scrotum. Then, using surgical instruments, they will release the testicle and bring it down into the scrotum. If your surgeon finds a small testicle that is unlikely to work, they'll remove it. Your child should be able to go home the same day.

Your consultant will let you know what to expect and how to prepare your child for surgery. They'll let you know how long your child will need to avoid eating and drinking, in preparation for having a general anaesthetic.

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

Your child may have some pain in the groin area after the procedure. They may initially feel unwell as a result of the anaesthetic. They'll also need to be given pain relief for the first few days after the surgery. They will need to rest at home for a few days after the surgery. And they should be able to go back to nursery or school after about a week.

In terms of of post-op activities, your child shouldn't play sports or ride a bicycle for up to six weeks.

Nurse listening to male patient

Paying for medical treatment

You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.

Our Undescended testicle surgery locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.