Purported absence of the testis following surgical exploration: the need for further investigation.

Two cases of purported absence of the testes following extensive surgical exploration are reported. On subsequent investigation both boys were found to have testes. It is recommended that when confronted with a patient with a similar history the operative record should be studied and the original surgeon should be contacted to ascertain that either a testis was removed or bind-ending internal spermatic vessels were found. If proper documentation is not available, further evaluation should be done.