Radioprotective reverse orchidopexy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: With the improvement in long-term outcome from childhood malignancy, the expected quality of life is important. This study was to assess the value of reverse orchidopexy in patients requiring radiotherapy to the groin or pelvic area.

METHODS

The details of 6 boys (age 2 to 13 years) who had malignancy necessitating groin or pelvic radiotherapy were reviewed. Each had reverse orchidopexy of the contralateral testis for the course of the radiotherapy treatment. Brief case summaries are presented. The testis was replaced in the scrotum 4 to 12 months after the reverse orchidopexy.

RESULTS

The protected testis continued to grow and was considered normal at 1 to 7 years later. One individual had fathered a child.

CONCLUSION

Reverse orchidopexy is a promising method of preserving testicular function in boys who require radiotherapy to the groin or pelvis area.