The intra-abdominal testis: lessons from the past, and ideas for the future

The intra-abdominal testis (IAT) has been always an enigma for both diagnosis and treatment. Imaging techniques are known for low sensitivity for localizing the IAT. It has been universally accepted that the gold standard for localizing the IAT is diagnostic laparoscopy. Orchiopexy techniques for IAT are complicated and attended with a higher rate of failure and complication than those for the palpable testis. For the low-lying abdominal testis, a one-stage procedure without interruption of the vessels has a high success rate. The Prentiss maneuver bridges the borders of normal pathway to gain a straighter course to the scrotum. The interruption of the main vascular supply of the testis, depending on collateral circulation, has been used for many years but with questionable effects on the microscopic delicate structure of the testis. Microvascular autotransplantation was intended to avoid this effect, but it is technically demanding and requires special expertise. The principle of traction has been used in the past but was abandoned due to high rate of atrophy. Recently, traction has been revisited with a new approach with very encouraging results. The key to success in any technique for orchiopexy is the complete absence of tension.