[Diagnosis of non-palpable testis: value of a new miniaturized laparoscope]

Laparoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are competitive tools in the diagnosis of nonpalpable testis. We investigated 29 boys for this indication with MRI. If MRI failed to locate the testis, laparoscopy was performed with a new, miniaturized set of pediatric instruments (1.9-mm optic). MRI revealed 10 inguinal and 7 abdominal testes. There was no false-positive finding. In 12 boys MRI showed no testis. Four cases were true negative, 8 false negative (32%). In these 8 MRI-negative patients, laparoscopy revealed 7 inguinal and 1 abdominal testis. The optical quality of the mini-telescope was sufficient for a 100% correct diagnosis. Laparoscopy-related complications did not occur. In summary, laparoscopic evaluation is the preferred method in pediatric cases of nonpalpable testes.