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 can leave a small tear (hernia) in the wall between the abdomen and the groin. The hernia needs to be treated 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 or surgery center 1 to 2 hours before surgery.

• Anesthesia is given to keep your son comfortable.

• An opening (incision) is made in the groin or abdomen. Another small incision is made in the scrotum.

• The testicle is detached from the tissue around it. Then it is brought down and stitched to the wall of the scrotum.

When to seek medical care

Call your health care 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.

• In an infant under 3 months old, a rectal temperature of 101.5°F (38.6°C) or higher

• In a child of any age who has a temperature that repeatedly rises to  101.5°F (38.6°C) or higher

• A fever that lasts more than 24-hours in a child under 2 years old, or for 3 days in a child 2 years or older

• Your child has had a seizure caused by the fever

• The child cries all the time.

After surgery

Your son will most likely go home a few hours after surgery. He should be feeling better in 2 to 3 days.

• The doctor may prescribe medication to relieve any pain your child has. Be sure to use it as directed.

• Your child should only have sponge baths for the first 1 to 2 days and then resume normal bathing activities or as directed by your child's surgeon.

• Most children will have one incision in the groin and a second incision in the scrotum. No topical care for the incisions are required as they are closed with skin glue which will gradually flake off, Stitches will dissolve as your child resumes his normal bathing activities. Or, your child may have stitches that will need to be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery.

• 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 2 weeks after surgery.

• Light activity is fine, but your child should not participate in strenuous activities like sports for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery or as directed by your child's surgeon.