Korean J Urol.  2010 Mar;51(3):155-160.

An Evolution of Orchiopexy: Historical Aspect

• Park K
• Choi H

Abstract

The history of treatment for cryptorchidism dates back more than 200 years. This review is intended to highlight some historical aspect that led us to our current surgical treatment of this condition. The medical and historical surgical literatures pertaining to cryptorchidism were reviewed. Data sources were PubMed, Embase, conference proceedings, and bibliographies. No language, date, or publication status restrictions were imposed. The study of cryptorchidism began with the anatomical descriptions of Baron Albrecht von Haller and John Hunter. Attempts at surgical correction of the undescended testis began in the early 1800s, culminating in the first successful orchiopexy by Thomas Annandale in 1877. Max Schuller, Arthur Dean Bevan and Lattimer contributed to the establishment of current techniques for standard orchiopexy. Later, laparoscopy, high inguinal incision (Jones' approach) and scrotal approach were added to the list of current orchiopexy.

Keyword

Cryptorchidism; Orchiopexy; History

MeSH Terms

Chronology as Topic
Cryptorchidism
Information Storage and Retrieval
Laparoscopy
Male
Orchiopexy
Publications

Figure

• 

  FIG. 1 Theories of testicular ectopia [8]. (A) Old theory: Mythical 'tails of Lockwood' was used to explain the location of ectopic testis because the gubernaculum pulled the testis into position. (B) Current theory: The testis migrates to the scrotum (or elsewhere) attached to the gubernaculum, with subsequent regression of the gubernaculum and formation of a secondary fibrous attachment (known as the gubernacular ligament).

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