Use of laparoscopy in children with impalpable testes

Our experience in Manchester using laparoscopy in children with impalpable testes is detailed. Eighty-seven testes were investigated in 77 patients. Of these, 36% had no testes, although in 28% evidence of a vas was found. In those testes which were found, surgery was performed, either orchidopexy or, if positioned high, microsurgery. Orchidectomy was rarely carried out (5 testes only).