Orchiopexy
What is Orchiopexy ?
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Why do you need Orchiopexy ?
Orchiopexy is indicated for:
- Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism):
- Testicle fails to descend into the scrotum by 6 months of age (3–5% of full-term boys, 30% of preemies).
- Types: Palpable (80%, in inguinal canal); non-palpable (20%, intra-abdominal or absent).
- Symptoms: Empty scrotum, often asymptomatic; may be associated with inguinal hernia (as noted in your prior query).
- Associated conditions:
- Inguinal hernia (70–90% of cases); hypospadias (10%, as you asked earlier); or chromosomal anomalies (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, rare).
- Timing:
- Typically performed at 6–18 months to optimize fertility and minimize cancer risk; can be done later if diagnosed late.
The procedure aims to position the testicle in the scrotum, secure it to prevent retraction, and address associated hernias, improving long-term testicular health and function.
Why Do Orchiopexy Costs Vary in Philippines?
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Orchiopexy Procedure
- Before Surgery Evaluation:
- Diagnosis:
- Physical exam: Confirms testicle location (palpable or non-palpable); done at birth and 6 months.
- Ultrasound (if non-palpable): Locates testicle (inguinal/abdominal); MRI rarely needed.
- Blood tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile.
- Consent: Risks, including testicular atrophy, are explained.
- Diagnosis:
- Surgical Techniques:
- Orchiopexy:
- Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–2 hours.
- Approach:
- Inguinal orchiopexy: For palpable testicles; 2 small incisions (groin and scrotum, 2–3 cm each).
- Laparoscopic orchiopexy: For non-palpable testicles; small incisions, camera-guided to locate and mobilize testicle.
- Repair:
- Testicle mobilized, preserving blood supply (spermatic cord lengthened if needed).
- Associated hernia sac (if present) ligated and removed (herniotomy).
- Testicle brought into scrotum through a new passage; secured with sutures (dartos pouch technique).
- Closure: Skin sutured with absorbable stitches; dressing applied.
- Intraoperative Tools:
- Laparoscope (if needed): Locates intra-abdominal testicle.
- Fine sutures: Secures testicle and closes incisions.
- Doppler probe: Confirms testicular blood flow.
- Orchiopexy:
- After Surgery:
- Hospital stay: Same-day discharge or 1 day.
- Care: Keep incisions dry; avoid straddling activities (e.g., bicycle) for 2–3 weeks.
- Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days; managed with acetaminophen.
- Instructions: Monitor for swelling; normal activities in 1–2 weeks.
Recovery After Orchiopexy
- Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge or 1 day.
- Post-Surgery Care:
- Pain/Swelling: Mild to moderate pain and scrotal swelling for 2–5 days; resolves in 1–2 weeks.
- Activity: Avoid straddling activities for 2–3 weeks; normal play in 1–2 weeks.
- Incision: Keep dry for 5–7 days; sutures dissolve in 2–3 weeks.
- Testicle: Monitor position; should remain in scrotum (check at follow-up).
- Follow-Up:
- Visits at 1 week (check healing) and 1 month (assess testicular position).
- Long-term: Annual checks until puberty for testicular growth and cancer screening.
Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 95–98% achieve proper testicular positioning; fertility preserved in 80–90% if done before 2 years.
Risks and Complications
- Surgical Risks:
- Bleeding (1–3%): Hematoma in scrotum/groin; may resolve spontaneously.
- Infection (1–2%): At incision site; treated with antibiotics.
- Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to general anesthesia; rare in healthy children.
- Post-Surgery:
- Testicular atrophy (1–2%): Due to impaired blood supply; rare with careful technique.
- Retraction (2–5%): Testicle moves back up; may need redo orchiopexy.
- Wound dehiscence (1–2%): Suture line opens; needs re-suturing.
- Hernia recurrence (1–2%): If associated hernia not fully addressed.
- Long-Term:
- Infertility (5–10%): If surgery delayed beyond 2 years or bilateral cryptorchidism.
- Testicular cancer risk (2–4 times higher): Still low (1 in 2,000); needs lifelong monitoring.
Report fever, severe swelling, or testicular retraction promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes an undescended testicle?
Hormonal or anatomical factors during fetal development; more common in preemies or with family history.
Can I avoid orchiopexy?
No, surgery is recommended to reduce cancer risk and preserve fertility; spontaneous descent unlikely after 6 months.
Is orchiopexy painful?
Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days, managed with medication; children recover quickly.
How soon can my child resume normal activities?
Normal play: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 4–6 weeks; avoid straddling activities for 2–3 weeks.
Is orchiopexy covered by insurance in India?
Yes, for medical necessity; confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.
Signs of complications?
Fever, severe swelling, or testicular retraction.
Will my child have normal fertility?
80–90% preserve fertility if done before 2 years; risk increases if delayed or bilateral.
Lifestyle changes post-surgery?
Avoid straddling activities, monitor testicular position, and attend long-term follow-ups for cancer screening.
Conclusion
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Looking for Best Hospitals for Orchiopexy
Note: we are not promoting any hospitals
We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₱) | Maximum Price (₱) |
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Angeles City |
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Antipolo |
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Bacolod |
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Bacoor |
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Baguio |
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Butuan |
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Cagayan de Oro |
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Caloocan |
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Cebu City |
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Dasmariñas |
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Davao City |
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General Santos |
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General Trias |
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Iligan |
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Iloilo City |
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Las Piñas |
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Makati |
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Malolos |
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Manila |
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Muntinlupa |
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Parañaque |
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Pasay |
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Pasig |
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Puerto Princesa |
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Quezon City |
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San Fernando |
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San Jose del Monte |
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Taguig |
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Valenzuela |
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Zamboanga City |
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Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.