Definition:
Orchidopexy is a surgical procedure that is carried out for moving undescended testicle into a scotrum to fix it enduringly. Scotrum is a protrusion of skin and muscle having testicles. The generative glands in a male are called testicles. The treatment of Orchidopexy is required in those boys, whose testicles have not completely gone down in scotrum by the age of 2 years.
Anesthesia is used at the beginning of the operation. Then, an incision is made in the inguinal region of the groin and at the bottom of the scrotum. The pediatric surgeon identifies the location of the testicle and carefully assembles it to an adequate length for enabling its placement within the scrotum. Once entirely is mobilized, the testicle is descended into the scrotum and placed in a pouch below the skin.
Though, the stitches on the scrotum are visible after the operation; however, they dissolve automatically within 2 or 3 weeks. The darns in the groin are not visible, as it is under the skin. They get dissolved on their own after 1 or 2 months. While the child is sleeping, the nerves to the scrotum and groin are anaesthetized with local anesthesia. It takes approximately one hour to complete the entire process.
Purpose:
- The Orchidopexy is done to lessen the chance of torsion, increase fertility and to ensure cosmetic equilibrium of the scotrum.
- It is also performed to resolve testicular torsion (twisting of spermatic cord providing blood supply to the testicle.
Precautions:
The child having Orchidopexy should not ride toys, such as car and motorcycle. In fact, no pressure should be given on the operated side, so as to prevent bleeding. Apart from this, careful cleaning of the treated area is required.
Pre and Post Care:
The location and problem in testicle is examined by doing physical examination of the child’s genitals. A doctor may also do hormone challenge test to determine whether the testicle is located in the abdomen or has failed to develop completely. If there is no development, the child is tested further for confirmation of inter-sexuality. After the necessary examination is done, the doctor carries on with surgery.
When the surgery is completed, the doctor will give pain medication to relieve the child from pain in genitals. He will also not allow the child to take part in strenuous sports activities. After reaching home, the child should intake as much fluid as possible. You should bathe your child, keeping the operated and bandaged part dry.
Risk Factors:
Orchidopexy is a safe procedure that has relatively lower amount of risks. Following are the risk factors that are associated with this treatment.
- Blood clots in the scotrum
- Infection
- Testicle moving out of scotrum, requiring a re-surgery
- Insufficient blood supply to testicle
- Bruising at the operated area
- Difficulty in urinating for few days
Hospital Stay:
There is a need to stay in hospital for 1 to 4 days, depending on the recovery strength of the child.
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