The role of laparoscopy in management of nonpalpable testes

Laparoscopy is the ideal first operative step in management of boys with nonpalpable testes. No other investigation is as reliable in locating a nonpalpable testis or in confirming its absence. Whatever the laparoscopic findings, further operative intervention is generally necessary and the laparoscopic findings determine the subsequent operative steps. Laparoscopy also permits endoscopic manipulation such as application of a spermatic vessel clip for staged Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy. Herein we report our experiences with laparoscopy in 30 patients with nonpalpable testes.