Orchidopexy (paediatrics)

What is an orchidopexy?

During regular development, the testicles move from their initial position in the abdomen down into the scrotum just before birth. Sometimes, this process happens more slowly, only partially or not at all. When a testicle has not yet reached the scrotum, this is called an undescended testicle (sometimes also referred to as cryptorchidism). 

Undescended testicles will usually move down into the scrotum by the time a child is 3 to 6 months old. If they have not moved by 6 months, it’s unlikely that they will without treatment.

An orchidopexy (sometimes also called orchiopexy) is a simple surgical procedure used to move an undescended testicle into its correct position in the scrotum.

At Welbeck, we offer orchidopexy to paediatric patients aged 3+. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.

What does an orchidopexy involve? 

At Welbeck, orchidopexy to treat an undescended testicle is carried out by our expert paediatric urologists as a day procedure in our state-of-the-art facilities. 

Your child will be placed under a general anaesthetic for the orchidopexy, so they’ll be asleep during the procedure.

A small cut will be made in the groin to locate the testicle. The testicle will then be repositioned into the scrotum through a second incision and held in place using dissolvable stitches. The incisions will be closed, also using dissolvable stitches.

The procedure itself usually takes around 1 hour, and your child will be able to go home once they’ve recovered from the effects of the general anaesthetic. This can take a few hours. 

What are the risks of an orchidopexy?

Orchidopexy is a safe and simple procedure, and aside from some pain during recovery, there are usually no side effects.

Some children may experience bleeding, scarring or infection, although these side effects are rare, especially if proper care is taken during recovery. 

Occasionally, the testicle may move back into the groin following orchidopexy, so surgery may need to be repeated. In rare cases, the blood supply cannot sustain the testicle in the new location, and this can lead to testicular atrophy, where the testicle will perish over time. Very rarely, the tube connecting the urethra to the testicle may become damaged, which can make it difficult for semen to pass through.  

How to prepare for an orchidopexy

There’s no preparation required for your child to have a hydrocele repair. If there are any special requirements, your consultant will make you aware before the surgery. 

Recovery and aftercare

Following an orchidopexy, your child may feel tired and unwell from the general anaesthetic. This is normal and should improve within 24 hours.

They will experience some pain and discomfort for the first few days to a week. This will need to be treated using over-the-counter pain medication such as paracetamol. Advice on pain relief will be given to you by your urologist before you go home.

Your child will be able to carry out normal activities after a few days, but should avoid strenuous activity such as sports for 2 weeks. The stitches will usually dissolve within 2 to 3 weeks. 

Caring for your child after an orchidopexy:

• give your child regular pain relief for the first 2 to 3 days 
• keep the area clean and dry 
• encourage them to drink plenty of fluids 
• dress them in loose-fitting clothing (use of nappies is fine) 
• they can have a short bath or shower the day after the procedure, but should avoid long baths. Your urologist will give you more specific advice on this 
• don’t let them ride a bicycle or use other sit-on toys for at least 2 weeks 
• they can return to school or nursery after 3 to 5 days if they feel well enough, but should avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks

Get in touch if: 

• your child is in a lot of pain that can't be helped with over-the-counter pain relief 
• the area becomes inflamed, red, hot or produces fluid or pus
• your child has a high temperature or feels shivery 

How much does orchidopexy cost?

Please contact our Surgery Centre for pricing information.