Laparoscopic orchidopexy for the intra-abdominal testis

The role of laparoscopy in the management of the impalpable testis has been largely as a diagnostic tool only. Its therapeutic application as a single or two-stage Fowler-Stephens procedure for the intra-abdominal testis is assessed and a management algorithm derived. A retrospective review was performed of 26 children with 33 intra-abdominal testes (IAT) who were operated upon between 1992 and 1997; 5 had a single-stage (6 testes) and 21 had a staged approach. All children had the operated testis located in an acceptable scrotal position on review. Six operations were performed as a single-stage procedure. Four testes were palpably smaller at follow-up: 2 in the single-stage (33.3%) and 2 in the two-stage group (7%). Of the 26 children, 24 were day-case admissions. Minor self-limiting complications were observed in 5 cases. Laparoscopic localisation and Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy can be safely employed in the definitive management of the IAT.