Undescended Testicle:

An undescended testicle refers to a testicle that has failed to descend into its normal position. Surgery is generally expected to be performed after the baby reaches six months, but it should be done before the age of one.

In surgical intervention, the testicle is lowered into the scrotum and placed under the skin. In some cases, the procedure can be done in two sessions. The patient’s oral intake should be stopped at least six hours before surgery. The preparation for undescended testicle surgery is generally similar to that of hernia surgery.

This surgery has a high success rate, and the incision location is determined based on the position of the undescended testicle. A 2 to 3 cm incision is made to remove any obstructing tissue and lower the testicle into the scrotum.

In cases of older patients, if the testicle is unusually small during surgery, it may need to be removed due to cancer risks. The procedure is typically quick, with a short operation time and discharge time.

If the testicle is located further back and cannot reach the scrotum, a small incision is made in the abdominal area to bring the testicle down. If the testicle is deeper inside the abdomen, laparoscopic surgery can be performed to locate and release the testicle if it is not atrophied, allowing it to be placed in the scrotum.

After surgery, no food is given orally. Necessary supplements are administered intravenously, and patients are generally discharged on the same day. Some complications may arise after the procedure.

In the early stages, visible swelling and bruising in the scrotum may occur. These are normal and temporary, but in any unusual cases, it is advised to contact your doctor.

Undescended Testicle Surgery in İzmir:

Treatment Details:

• Operation: Undescended Testicle Surgery
• Procedure: Undescended testicles are lowered into the scrotum and fixed in place.
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours
• Hospital Stay: 1 day
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia
• Recovery Time: 2-3 days
• Return to Work/School: 5-7 days
• Scar: Yes
• Pain Duration: 24-48 hours

Undescended Testicle Surgery:

Problems in the descent process of the testicle can cause it to remain at any point along its descent path. The testicle is the organ responsible for male hormones and sperm production. About 4% of babies are born with undescended testicles, and most of them will descend by three months. After the age of one, the percentage drops below 1%. Two methods are used to treat undescended testicles.

The first is open orchiopexy, where large incisions are made in the groin to locate and free the testicle from surrounding tissue and place it into the scrotum. The second is laparoscopic (closed) orchiopexy, where a small incision is made in the groin to locate the testicle, and special tubes are used to free it from the surrounding vessels.

Laparoscopic surgery is generally preferred for undescended testicle treatment.

Things You Should Know About Undescended Testicle Surgery:

Testicles should normally descend into the scrotum before birth, where the temperature is lower than the body temperature, which is crucial for their function and viability. After birth, the testicles may descend, and observation is required until the baby reaches 6 months, at which point surgery should be considered to prevent permanent damage.

In undescended testicle patients, there is an increased risk of testicular cancer compared to normal individuals, but early treatment significantly reduces these risks. Undescended testicles can be corrected with surgery. An undescended testicle occurs when the testicle fails to reach its normal position in the scrotum.

It is crucial to diagnose undescended testicles early. In infants, immediate intervention is critical as testicles may remain in the abdomen or become twisted, disrupting blood flow and potentially shrinking. Some infants may have testicles that deviate from the normal path and appear in unusual areas. These conditions must be differentiated clearly.

For some babies, the descent of the testicles can take up to 6 months after birth, but if this does not occur, surgery is necessary. Undescended testicle surgery in İzmir should therefore be performed between 6 months and 1 year of age, and the procedure should be completed by 2 years of age at the latest.

The surgery duration varies but usually takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, and the patient is typically discharged within 24-48 hours post-surgery.

Untreated undescended testicles can lead to infertility and even life-threatening conditions. The risk of cancer is higher in testicles that remain undescended, and diagnosing and treating cancer in undescended testicles can be difficult.

The recovery period after undescended testicle surgery usually lasts 7-10 days. The risk of recurrence is very low.

Undescended testicle surgery is performed by urologists or pediatric urologists. As with any surgery, there are risks involved, such as the cutting of the spermatic duct or damage to the blood vessels supplying the testicle.

What Happens if Undescended Testicle Surgery Is Delayed?

If undescended testicle surgery (cryptorchidism) is delayed, the surgery becomes more difficult, and the risk of testicular cancer or fertility issues increases. An undescended testicle that does not descend into the scrotum is termed as such, and surgery is typically used to correct it.

If left untreated, undescended testicles can cause severe complications such as testicular torsion, leading to permanent damage to the testicle and fertility issues. The risk of testicular cancer is higher in undescended testicles, and delaying surgery increases this risk. Cosmetic concerns may also arise. It is crucial to consult with a pediatric urologist as soon as possible to discuss treatment options and alleviate any concerns.

How Much Does Undescended Testicle Surgery Cost in İzmir?

Problems in the descent process can cause the testicle to remain at any point along the descent path. About 4% of babies are born with undescended testicles, and most of them will descend within the first three months. After 1 year, this number drops below 1%.

Undescended testicle surgeries are critical and should be treated as soon as possible. Post-surgery care is also very important.

If you would like to learn more about the cost of undescended testicle surgery in İzmir, you can consult with specialized doctors in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Undescended Testicle Surgery Risky?
A1: In this surgery, the testicle is carefully lowered from its position to the scrotum and fixed in place. It can be performed using either a laparoscopic or open surgical method. The success rate for treating a single undescended testicle is close to 100%. The main risks of the surgery are the potential cutting of the spermatic duct and damage to the main artery that supplies the testicle. If the main artery is damaged, the blood supply to the testicle will be disrupted, halting its development.

Q2: At What Age Should Undescended Testicle Surgery Be Performed?
A2: Undescended testicle surgery is a delicate procedure where the testicle is carefully lowered and fixed. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial. In some babies, the testicles may not descend until 6 months after birth. Therefore, surgery should be performed between 6 months and 1 year of age, and it must be completed by the age of 2 to avoid complications. The risks increase as the child grows older.

Q3: How is Undescended Testicle Surgery Performed?
A3: Before the surgery, the child is thoroughly examined by pediatric surgery and anesthesia specialists, and necessary tests are done. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and a small incision is typically made in the groin. The testicle is located and lowered into the scrotum, after which the incision is closed. Post-surgery, the child's condition is monitored.

Q4: Can Undescended Testicle Occur Later?
A4: In some babies born at term, the testicle may descend naturally within the first few weeks or months. As a result, about 0.8-1% of babies at 1 year of age may still have an undescended testicle. Most spontaneous descent occurs within the first 6 months, and after that, the likelihood of natural descent significantly decreases. The chance of developing an undescended testicle later is extremely low.

References:

• Mayo Clinic: Undescended Testicle Diagnosis and Treatment
• Kaya, C., Kapisiz, A., Karabulut, R., Türkyılmaz, Z., & Sönmez, K. (Undescended Testicle Surgical Experiences)