Laparoscopic exploration for a presumed intra-abdominal testicle.

Removal of intra-abdominal testes in patients over the age of 10 years is recommended because of the small risk of subsequent malignant change. We report an experience in a 35-year-old male with no testicle in his left scrotum in whom an ultrasound scan demonstrated a 3 x 4 cm mass at the left internal ring. At laparoscopy, by delineating the landmarks of the left vas and the left testicular vessels, it was possible to confirm the presence of a testicle at the internal ring; atrophic epididymal material was confirmed histologically. Laparoscopic exploration in this patient permitted a thorough examination of the abdominal cavity for an undescended left testicle and required admission for less than 24 hours. We conclude this procedure is the approach of choice in patients with suspected intra-abdominal testes.