What is surgery for undescended testicles?
Testicles are the organs that make sperm. While a baby boy grows in the womb, the testicles are in his belly. Before birth, they usually move into the scrotum. The scrotum is the sac below the penis.
Sometimes, one or both testicles don't move into the scrotum. Surgery can fix this problem.
If the testicle is in the groin, the doctor makes one cut in the groin and another in the scrotum. The cuts are called incisions. The doctor makes a pouch in the scrotum. Then he or she carefully moves the testicle into the pouch.
If the testicle is in the belly, the doctor may do a laparoscopic surgery. In this surgery, the doctor puts a lighted tube with special tools through small incisions in your child's belly and scrotum. The tube is called a scope. It lets the doctor see the testicle. Then the doctor can guide it to the scrotum.
At the end of either surgery, the doctor closes the incisions with stitches. Your child will have scars that will fade with time.
Your child will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor may use pain medicine to numb the nerves in the surgery area. This is called a nerve block. It helps control pain for several hours after surgery.
You will probably be able to take your child home 2 to 4 hours after surgery. You can expect your child to go back to most activities in 2 to 3 days.
This surgery may increase the chances that your child will be able to father a child later in life. It also makes it easier to feel the testicles and check for testicular cancer later in life.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that this surgery will move the testicles into the correct place. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
- Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
- Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- Tell the doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
The day before surgery
- A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
- Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter Y618 in the search box to learn more about "Surgery for Undescended Testicle: Before Your Child's Surgery".