Single setting bilateral laparoscopic orchiopexy for bilateral intra-abdominal testicles

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Urology

Background:

• Laparoscopic surgery is increasingly preferred for unilateral intra-abdominal testes.
• Limited data exists on managing bilateral intra-abdominal testes laparoscopically.
• Single-setting bilateral laparoscopic orchiopexy offers a potential solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of single-setting bilateral laparoscopic orchiopexy.
• To assess outcomes in boys with bilateral intra-abdominal testes.

Main Methods:

• Review of a single surgeon's experience with laparoscopic orchiopexy.
• Standardized technique including infra-umbilical access, mobilization, and fixation.
• Follow-up assessments at 14 days, 6 months, and 1 year for position and size.

Main Results:

• Attempted in 21 boys (42 testes), completed in 18 boys (36 testes) as outpatient procedures.
• 19 of 21 boys (91%) achieved bilateral viable intrascrotal testes within 1 year.
• Only 2 testes (4.7%) showed atrophy; no major complications or hospital admissions occurred.

Conclusions:

• Single-setting bilateral laparoscopic orchiopexy is safe and successful for bilateral intra-abdominal testes.
• Outpatient management is feasible with high rates of intrascrotal testis positioning.
• Most boys require only one surgery for successful outcomes without atrophy.