MANAGEMENT OF INTRAABDOMINAL TESTICLE DURING LAPAROSCOPIC HERNIA REPAIR

A 22-year-old man who had previously undergone work-up for right crypt orchidism and been diagnosed as having right testicular absence was re ferred for repair of a right inguinal hernia. A laparoscopic approach was chosen for this patient, and at the time of laparoscopic herniorrh aphy, a small intraabdominal testicle was visualized and removed lapar oscopically. Laparoscopy has served as an excellent procedure for loca ting intraabdominal testes and planning the most appropriate treatment for many cryptorchid patients. Until recently, atrophic testes locate d within the abdominal cavity through use of a laparoscope were remove d via an open technique. Advances in laparoscopy now enable detection and definitive treatment for these patients without the need for large , more painful incisions. The laparoscopic approach to this patient en abled diagnosis and management of his crytorchidism and provided a mea ns for repair of his hernia.