Single-incision Scrotal Orchidopexy in Children: A Clinical Series.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, success rate, and outcomes of single-incision scrotal orchiopexy (SISO) for palpable undescended testes using a novel "touch sign" for patient selection. No comparison groups were included.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 162 patients (aged 7 months-14 years) treated between 2019 and 2024 was performed. Palpable cases underwent preoperative "touch sign" assessment (balloting the testis from the inguinal canal to the scrotum), followed by transverse scrotal incision, tunica vaginalis mobilization, and dartos pouch placement.

RESULTS

Of the 162 patients assessed, 116 underwent SISO (112 successful; 4 conversions due to obesity or tunica vaginalis issues). Follow-up (1 month-5 years) showed no testicular atrophy, and one patient developed a clinical inguinal hernia after more than 3 years of SISO. SISO offers superior cosmesis and shorter operative time/hospital stay than the traditional method.

CONCLUSION

SISO is a safe and effective procedure for low-lying palpable testes, with the "touch sign" improving patient selection and minimizing conversions. The first author has described this novel maneuver- the "touch sign" during the clinical examination.