[Laparoscopic investigation of 74 cases of nonpalpable testis]

The objective of this study is to evaluate the results and advantages of laparoscopic investigation of nonpalpable testis.

Since March 1986 to May 1996, we performed laparoscopy to investigate 88 nonpalpable testes of 74 cases under general anesthesia. On condition that testis was found intraabdominally, orchiectomy or orchiopexy was performed subsequently. With a finding of vas deferens and/or spermatic vessels entering into internal ring, inguinal canal was explored surgically. If both vas deferens and spermatic vessels were absent or blind-ending intraabdominally, no further examination was performed with a diagnosis of vanishing testis.

Location of testes found in this study were as follows. Twenty three (26.1%) testes were found intraabdominally, 36 (40.9%) were intracanalicularly, 13 (14.8%) were distal to external inguinal ring, and 16 (18.2%) were vanishing testes. To those 39 (44.3%) intraabdominal and vanishing cases did not need inguinal exploration.

In conclusion, a laparoscopic examination for nonpalpable testis is the most effective and less invasive procedure to make sure or preclude the location of the gonad. And in 18% of those who were enrolled in this study, no further surgical interventions were needed. An accurate locating of nonpalpable testis permits site-specific planning of surgical management.