[The value of laparoscopy in the diagnostic evaluation of cryptorchism with non-palpable testicles]

From 1986 to 1989, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed in 12 boys, before operation of non-palpable testes. Cryptorchidism was unilateral in all but one case. Preoperative physical examination and ultrasonographic studies of the inguinal region had been performed in all of them and failed to localize the testis. Laparoscopy demonstrated six intra-abdominal testes in five children: five testes were brought down into the scrotum and one was removed because endoscopic diagnosis of complete epididymo-testicular dissociation. Four of the seven other boys were not operated on because of laparoscopic findings. In the last three cases, systematic surgical exploration of the inguinal region was performed and demonstrated total atrophy of the testis. Performed in good condition the procedure is very safe and simple to achieve. It does not increase significantly the duration of the operation and gives objective elements for the operative procedure.