Location and Fate of The Nonpalpable Testis in Children

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Abstract
The records of 261 children who were treated surgically for cryptorchidism between 1975 and 1980 were reviewed to determine the incidence, exact location and results of treatment of nonpalpable testes. Of these 261 patients, 71 had 80 nonpalpable testes (27%). Of these 80 nonpalpable testes, 17 (21%) were determined to be absent at the time of thorough intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal exploration. Of the 63 testes found at surgical exploration, 34 (56%) were intra-abdominal (intraperitoneal), 10 (16%) were in a preperitoneal position behind the internal inguinal ring, 15 (24%)were canalicular and 4 (5%) were located in the superficial inguinal area. Seventeen (27%) testes were removed because of postpubertal age, testicular atrophy or anatomic deformity inconsistent with an attempt at orchiopexy. In the remaining testes the success rate of orchiopexy was compared on the basis of the original anatomic location of the testis and the type of surgical procedure performed. Of those testes deemed suitable for orchiopexy, 89% in a preperitoneal or more distal location and 74% of intraperitoneal testes were placed successfully in the scrotum.