Our Summary

This study looked at the outcomes of surgery for undescended testes in babies less than a year old. The main concern was whether operating at such a young age led to a higher risk of testicular atrophy (shrinkage) or misplacement. The researchers looked at the records of 55 patients who had this surgery between 2005 and 2014. The majority of the testes were located in the high inguinal canal (the passage in the lower abdominal wall), while the rest were in the abdominal cavity.

After surgery, the testes were in the scrotum in 62 cases and in the inguinal canal in one case. Seven cases of atrophy were confirmed (around 11%), and this was more common in testes that had been in the abdomen (24%) compared to those in the inguinal canal (2.6%). The technique used for the surgery also seemed to affect the rate of atrophy.

Overall, the results suggested that surgery for undescended testes in babies under a year old does not lead to a higher risk of testicular atrophy compared to surgery in older patients. The researchers concluded that the surgery allows good development of the testes. In simpler terms, it’s safe to do this type of surgery on babies and it doesn’t increase the risk of future problems with the testes.

FAQs

  1. Does the age of the patient undergoing surgery for undescended testes affect the risk of testicular atrophy?
  2. Was there a difference in testicular atrophy rates between testes that were in the abdomen compared to those in the inguinal canal?
  3. Does the surgical technique used for correcting undescended testes have an impact on the rate of testicular atrophy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing undescended testicle surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include keeping the incision site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the area, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and check for any signs of complications. Additionally, it’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly. Following these recommendations can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended undescended testicle surgery are babies less than a year old with undescended testes, particularly those located in the high inguinal canal or abdominal cavity. Surgery is usually recommended to correct the issue and prevent potential complications such as testicular atrophy or misplacement. The study mentioned above suggests that surgery at a young age is safe and does not increase the risk of future problems with the testes.

Timeline

Before surgery, a patient with an undescended testicle may experience discomfort or pain in the groin area, have a visibly missing or undescended testicle, and may have difficulty with fertility or hormone production.

After surgery, the patient may experience some pain or discomfort in the surgical area, which can be managed with pain medication. The patient may also need to follow post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a period of time. Over time, the patient should see improvement in the positioning of the testicle and may experience improved fertility and hormone production. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider may be necessary to monitor the progress of the surgery and ensure the patient’s overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about undescended testicle surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of the surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the surgery in terms of bringing the testicle down into the scrotum?
  3. Will the surgery affect fertility in the future?
  4. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during this time?
  5. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of post-surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  8. Will there be any follow-up appointments or tests needed after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  10. What kind of support or resources are available for me and my child before, during, and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Marret JB, Ravasse P, Boullier M, Blouet M, Dolet N, Petit T, Rod J. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2019 Aug;15(4):377.e1-377.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2019.03.019. Epub 2019 Mar 29. PMID: 31014985