Modified scrotal (Bianchi) mid raphe single incision orchiopexy for low palpable undescended testis: early outcomes

We compared the results of low transscrotal mid raphe orchiopexy, high scrotal incision (Bianchi) and conventional inguinal approach in patients with palpable undescended testes.

Orchiopexies performed between January 2003 and September 2009 with a minimum 3-month followup were included. Low scrotal incision (group 1) and high scrotal incision (group 2) were compared to the traditional inguinal 2-incision technique (group 3). We retrospectively reviewed operative time, success as defined by mid or lower scrotal position of the testis, and complications at 12 weeks and 1 year postoperatively.

A total of 286 orchiopexies were performed in 214 patients with palpable undescended testes. Group 1 included 81 patients with 125 undescended testes. Group 2 consisted of 44 patients with 60 undescended testes. Group 3 included 89 patients with 101 undescended testes. Postoperatively the testes were located in a good position within the scrotum in 99% of patients in group 1, 98% in group 2 and 100% in group 3. Mean±SD operative time for unilateral undescended testes was significantly shorter for low transscrotal compared to inguinal orchiopexy (28±10 vs 37±12 minutes, p<0.0001) but equivalent to a high scrotal incision (27±10 minutes, p=0.59). For all 160 children followed for 1 year no long-term atrophy or secondary reascent was observed.

Low transscrotal mid raphe orchiopexy appears to be an excellent alternative to high scrotal incision or standard inguinal orchiopexy for low palpable undescended testes, especially bilateral cases.