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Undescended testes

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

What is undescended testes?

When a baby boy is growing in the uterus, his testes form inside his abdomen before moving down into the scrotum. In full term babies, both testes are generally down in the scrotum. The testis needs to lie in the scrotum for it to develop normally. There are many factors influencing how well the testes descend, which your doctor will be able to discuss with you. If one or both testes do not reach the scrotal sac, it is known as undescended testes. Testes that are temporarily pulled out of the scrotum are known as retractile testes. Your doctor will be able to tell the difference.

Will they come down after birth?

The testes may come down during the baby's first three to six months. If the testes have not descended by then, it will not come down any further.

Will my child need an operation?

Yes. If your child has an undescended testis when he is over 6 months of age, he will need an operation to place it in the correct position. Retractile testes usually do not require an operation. These may need to be followed by your doctor until the position of the testis is certain.

The optimal age for the operation is around one year of age. The operation is called an orchidopexy (or orchiopexy). This involves freeing up the testis from its original position and tunnelling it into a pouch in the scrotum. In some cases, when the testis is very high, two operations are required to get the testis down. With proper treatment, the testis has the best chance to grow and produce hormones and sperm.

How long does the operation take?

Your child comes to hospital on the day of the operation and is usually home the same day. He will be in the operating room for about one hour. This includes time spent in giving the anaesthetic and preparing him for the operation. There will be a scar in the groin and scrotal sac. The stitches are dissolving. The operation can also be done through a "key-hole" technique. This is usually done for testes that are not able to be felt and are suspected to be still in the abdomen. You will need to discuss this with your doctor.

Is there pain after the operation?

Your child will need some sort of pain relief. This may be given before he leaves the hospital. Ask your doctor for advice on medication and dosage for use at home. Pain is not the only cause of distress after the operation. Fear, anxiety and hunger can all contribute. Try to stay calm and comfort your child. Most children also feel calmer and more comfortable when they get home.

If you are worried at all, contact the hospital or doctor.

What about activity after the operation?

Generally, your child should not sit on bikes, climb stairs or trees or be involved in any vigorous play for the first three weeks. After that, there is no need to restrict his activity. Many children will be playing and active the day after the operation. This will not affect the healing of the wound. Your doctor will explain how to care for your child's wounds.

Can they go back up?

• Some boys have a testis that is in the scrotum in infancy but slowly gets higher in the pre-school and early school years. These "ascending" testes also need operation.
• Rarely a testis may not be properly down in the scrotum after operation.

• Only your doctor can tell the difference between undescended testes and retractile testes.
• If your child has an undescended testis persisting after the age of six months, he will need an operation.

The Children's Hospital at Westmead Tel: (02) 9845 3585 Fax: (02) 9845 3562 www.chw.edu.au	Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick Tel: (02) 9382 1688 Fax: (02) 9382 1451 www.sch.edu.au	Kaleidoscope, Hunter Children's Health Network Tel: (02) 4921 3670 Fax: (02) 4921 3599 www.kaleidoscope.org.au