LAPAROSCOPIC APPROACH FOR NONPALPABLE ABDOMINAL TESTIS

The approach to nonpalpable testis is probably the most important indi cation for laparoscopy in pediatric surgery. In abdominal testis, sper matic vessels can be too short to allow for standard orchidopexy. The division of the spermatic vessels proposed by Fowler and Stephens may result, in some cases, in testicular hypotrophy or atrophy from intrao perative devascularization. In this study, we report our experience of two-stage laparoscopic orchidopexy, first proposed by Bloom. Five pat ients (ages 2-10 years) were heated with this technique. Laparoscopic inspection and division of spermatic vessels were successful in all pa tients, with no complications. Orchidopexy was performed at an average of 6 months from the first operation. During a follow-up period of fr om 6 to 18 months, no patient developed atrophy or hypotrophy of the t estis.