Orchiopexy is a surgical procedure to fix an undescended testicle or repair testicular torsion. It can be done laparoscopically or with an incision. The procedure is recommended to reduce cancer risk and fertility problems. Recovery time is usually rapid.
Orchiopexy is a surgical procedure in which a testicle is fixed in the scrotum. This procedure is most commonly performed in men and boys with undescended testicles, although it can also be used to repair testicular torsion. Orchiopexy surgery is relatively simple and is sometimes done as an outpatient procedure. If a patient needs to stay in the hospital after surgery, the stay in the hospital is usually very short.
In the case of males with cryptorchidism, a technical term for an undescended testicle, the surgeon locates the testicle in the abdomen and carries it into the scrotum, stitching it in place to give it a chance to settle. The sutures will be absorbed as the surgery site heals. Sometimes, this procedure can be done laparoscopically, with the use of surgical instruments inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. In other cases, an incision may need to be made to locate the testicle so it can be moved.
Undescended testicles are often recognized when men are very young, with the procedure commonly performed in infancy or childhood by a pediatric urologist. The procedure can also be done in adults who have not had the surgery, including people with chromosomal changes who may have been hiding that they have undescended testicles. Recovery time after orchiopexy surgery is usually very rapid, although people should avoid vigorous physical activity, contact sports, and bicycling or horse riding for a few days after surgery.
Orchidopexy is recommended for people with cryptorchidism for a variety of reasons. The first has to do with the cancer risk associated with undescended testicles. The second has to do with fertility; orchiopexy can reduce the risk of fertility problems in the future, which may become a problem at some point. Adults may also choose to have their testicles removed if they are not interested in having children or if they grew up with a female gender identity.
If testicular torsion occurs, orchiopexy is done to correct the torsion, if possible, and to push the testicle back into place. It is not always possible to repair the torsion, as the blood loss to the testicle may have lasted long enough for the tissue to become necrotic. Prompt intervention is crucial and will also bring relief to the patient, as testicular torsion can be an extremely painful medical condition.
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