Microvascular autotransplantation of intra-abdominal testes

In the period between 1981 and 1987, 23 microvascular autotransplantations of intra-abdominal testes were performed on 18 patients at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. Nineteen testes [82.6%] were successfully revascularised; however, four [17.4%] became partially or totally atrophic. Early surgery is recommended--well before the age of 2 years, prior to the onset of testicular damage, in order to reduce the risk of infertility. Although the early results are very encouraging, only long-term, postpuberty follow-up regarding both fertility and malignancy can determine the value of testicular autotransplantation.