Surgery for an Undescended Testicle

If your child's testicle doesn’t descend on its own, it should be treated to prevent future problems. Surgery is done to bring an undescended testicle into the normal position within the scrotum.

Why treatment is needed

• The longer a testicle remains outside the scrotum, the more likely it is that it will produce fewer sperm.
• An undescended testicle has a higher risk of cancer. This is true even after the testicle is brought down into the scrotum. But, bringing the testicle down makes a problem easier to find.
• An undescended testicle may have an associated hernia, which is a weakness in the abdominal wall (tummy muscles) between the abdomen and the groin. The hernia needs to be treated at the same time to prevent future problems.

Surgery

The testicle is brought down into the scrotum during surgery.

• You and your son are asked to arrive at the hospital 1 ½ hours before surgery.
• General anesthesia is given to keep your son comfortable.
• An opening (incision) is made in the groin and the scrotum. An incision in the scrotum may be the only incision necessary.
• The testicle is detached from the tissue around it. Then it is brought down and stitched to the wall of the scrotum.

After surgery

Your son will most likely go home a few hours after surgery. He should be feeling better in 1 to 2 days.

• The doctor may prescribe medicine to relieve any pain your child has. Be sure to use it as directed.
• Your child should only have sponge baths and then resume normal bathing activities as directed by your child's surgeon.
• Most children will have one incision in the scrotum or a second incision in the groin. No topical care for the incision is required. Stitches will dissolve as your child resumes his normal bathing activities.
• It is normal for the scrotum to appear swollen and bruised around the scrotal incision. This will all resolve with time and usually appear much better in a week.
• Your child should avoid swimming in a pool or lake water for 10 days after surgery.
• Light activity is fine, but your child should not participate in strenuous activities like sports after surgery as directed by your child's surgeon.

When to call your child's healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if your otherwise healthy child has any of the signs or symptoms described below:

• The incision bleeds or becomes red, or there is a discharge from the incision
• The child cries all the time
• Fever (see Fever and children, below)