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Undescended testicle repair - Recovery

Alternative Names

Orchidopexy; Inguinal orchidopexy; Orchiopexy; Repair of undescended testicle; Cryptorchidism repair

After the Procedure:

Undescended testicle repair is successful in most cases. A small percentage of men will have fertility problems. (See: Infertility)

Men who have had undescended testicles should do monthly self-exams throughout their lives for possible tumors. People with undescended testes have higher rates of testicular cancer than those with normal testicle development, even if they have a fully descended testicle on the other side.

Outlook (Prognosis):

The surgery may be done on an outpatient basis. Bed rest is recommended for the first 2 - 3 days. Avoid strenuous activity, including bicycling, for at least 1 month to allow the testicle to heal in its new position.

Male reproductive anatomy

Before and after testicular repair

Reviewed last on: 9/3/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Schneck FX, Bellinger MF. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 127.

Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 545.

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