The place of laparoscopy in the management of the impalpable testis

Abstract

In a four-year period 46 boys have been laparoscoped in the search for 55 impalpable testes. Thirty-three per cent of the testes were located intrabdominally. Another 53 per cent were absent. This could be diagnosed by laparoscopy alone in 35 per cent. Laparotomy was needed in only 3 boys to locate the testes.

Urogenital nonunion—the case for laparoscopy for the impalpable testis

“…This case highlights the advantage of laparoscopy as the initial procedure to look for an abdominal testis, as previously suggested [3,5]. If testicular vessels are seen entering the deep inguinal ring, then the groin should be explored.…”

Absent or Non Descent of the Testis

“…Although some centers still advocate groin exploration in impalpable testes (Lakhoo et al 1996, Ferro,et al 1999) several studies have shown that a significant proportion of testes that appear absent at the time of inguinal exploration can subsequently be identified at laparoscopy. (Boddy et al, 1985;Patil at al. 2005;Perovic;Janic 1994) …”

Laparoscopic orchidopexy: the easy way to go

“…They can be located intraabdominally, at the level of the internal ring (peeping), in the inguinal canal (canalicular), or in an ectopic position, or they can be missing. Inguinal exploration followed by an abdominal extension if neither testicle nor blind ending vessel are identified represents the traditional approach for non palpable testicles and the success rate of this was around 74% [3,4].A study from England showed that 13 (60%) of 22 testes deemed absent by groin exploration were identified by laparoscopy [5]. Subsequently, in the last 20 years,…”

“…A study from England showed that 13 (60%) of 22 testes deemed absent by groin exploration were identified by laparoscopy [5]. Subsequently, in the last 20 years,…”

“…A study from England showed that 13 (60%) of 22 testes deemed absent by groin exploration were identified by laparoscopy [5]. Subsequently, in the last 20 years, laparoscopy for the impalpable testis has been accepted by most pediatric surgeons and urologists as the diagnostic approach of choice to verify the existence and to locate the impalpable testis especially in the absence of reliable imaging studies [6][7][8].…”