Testicular-sparing surgery for benign testicular tumors

Background/Purpose: Although there has been a precedent of testicular-spari ng surgery in some centers, the authors find it is still not general practi ce among pediatric surgeons. To address this and emphasize the role of test icular-sparing surgery in children, four patients with testicular masses ar e presented who underwent this procedure. Methods: Four patients who underwent testicular-sparing surgery between the years 1993 and 1998 were reviewed. Demographic data, histopathology, and f ollow-up data were obtained from off ice charts. The period of follow-up ra nged from 1 to 5 years. Results Four patients whose ages at diagnosis were 1, 2, 4, and 17 years pr esented with unilateral testicular masses. The alpha-fetoprotein and beta-h uman chorionic gonadotropin levels were within normal limits. Testicular ul trasonography was carried out on all patients, and groin exploration with s permatic cord isolation was performed in each case. After enucleation, froz en sections to confirm benignity was carried out before repair of the testi s. Follow-up of 6 months to 5 years has shown no recurrence, and on examina tion, testicular volume is normal in all cases. Conclusions: Testicular-sparing surgery preserves testicular volume, which is important for both cosmetic and functional purposes. It is a viable and useful method in the management of benign testicular tumors in children. J Pediatr Surg 34:1000-1003. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.