[Experience of the single scrotal approach for recurrent undescended testis after primary orchiopexy or inguinal surgery].

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience of the unique scrotal incision for the redo cases of orchiopexy after previous inguinal surgery or orchiopexy for undescended testis with a special attention regarding the place of the single scrotal approach.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Thirty-six patients operated between January 2003 and September 2015 in our surgical unit for secondary orchiopexy after previous inguinal surgery or orchiopexy for undescended testis (UDT) were included in a retrospective study. The secondary surgical procedure was initiated by a scrotal incision (Bianchi). In cases of difficulty by the scrotal incision an inguinal approach by the prior skin inguinal incision was performed. Patients were divided in two groups a group 1 of 10 patients with reascending testis following inguinal hernia repair and a group 2 of 26 patients with reascending testis after previous orchiopexy for UDT. A good result was defined as testis in scrotal position without evidence of atrophy.

RESULTS

All the patients of group 1 were treated by a unique scrotal incision. In group 2, seven patients required a complementary inguinal approach. One hematoma complicated a scrotal procedure leading to a testicular atrophy. A good result was achieved in 35/36 patients (97%).

CONCLUSION

Single scrotal incision is an efficient and easy way to perform secondary orchiopexy after hernia repair. After surgery for UDT, as for primary cases, it cannot be an exclusive approach, higher testis need a combined or an inguinal approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.