Impalpable Testis: Localization and Management

Park, Jong Gag; Cha, Young Bum; Kim, Chun Il; Kim, Kwang Sae

Abstract

Between January 1987 and February 1990, records of 5Z patients with 60 impalpable testes who had surgery were reviewed retrospectively regarding localization and management of the testes. Seven out of 60 testes turned out to be palpable by careful examination under anesthesia. Ultrasonogram detected 8 testes (5 intracanalicular and 3 preperitoneal) out of 25 testes. Laparoscopy provided and in planning the appropriate surgical approach in all 8 testes. Of the 47 testes found at surgery 19 were intraabdominal, 14 intracanalicular, 12 in preperitoneal and 1 located in superficial inguinal area. Also 13 vanished testes were confirmed during surgery examining blind end of spermatic vessels and vasa. Two patients with intersex ( true hermaphroditism and hernia uteri inguinalis) were presented as unilateral impalpable testes. 42 testes were brought down surgically utilizing regular orchiopexy in 26 testes, transabdominal orchiopexy in 8 testes, Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy in 7 testes and staged orchiopexy in 1 testis were done with acceptable results. transabdominal approach is recommended in cases of suspecting intraabdominal testis or intersex.