Undescended Testis (Cryptorchidism) in Children
If your son’s testicle has not moved into the scrotum, early assessment is important. An undescended testis (cryptorchidism) is one of the most common conditions seen in baby boys, and treatment at the right age can help protect fertility and reduce future complications.
Quick answers for parents
- What is an undescended testis? A testicle that has not moved into the scrotum after birth.
When should surgery be done? Usually between 6–12 months, and by 18 months at the latest if it has not descended naturally.
How long does surgery take? About 2 hours as a day surgery in most children.
Is recovery painful? Most if not all children go home on the same day after surgery. A child may experience discomfort over the wounds for 2 to 3 days. He can exercise and swim after 2 to 3 weeks.
What is an undescended testis?
Normally, a baby’s testicles develop inside the tummy (abdomen) during pregnancy and move into the scrotum before birth. An undescended testis occurs when one or both testicles stop somewhere along this path.
Signs parents notice
One side of the scrotum looks smaller or empty.
The testicle cannot be felt during bathing.
A doctor notices it during a routine examination.
The testicle seems to “disappear” after previously being in the scrotum.
Why early treatment matters?
Leaving an undescended testis untreated increases the risk of:
Reduced fertility later in life
Testicular cancer
Twisting of the testicle (torsion)
Injury from an abnormal position
Performing surgery within the recommended age helps improve long-term outcomes.
When should my child see a paediatric surgeon?
Arrange an assessment if:
the testicle has not descended by 6 months,
only one testicle is visible,
the testicle disappears permanently,
or there is pain or sudden swelling.
Do children need an ultrasound?
Usually no.
All international guidelines rely on a careful physical examination, and ultrasound often does not change management before referral.
Ultrasound is accurate in only up to 76% of patients, false positives include the gubernaculum, lymph node and scar tissue.
An examination under anaesthesia is most accurate in diagnosis. When the testis is not palpable, laparoscopy is the gold standard to exclude an abdominal testis. When the testis is palpable, orchidopexy is performed.
Orchidopexy: surgery for an undescended testis
Orchidopexy is the operation used to move the testicle into the scrotum and secure it there.
What happens during surgery?
Your child receives a general anaesthetic and is examined carefully to locate the testis.
If the testis is palpable in the groin, a small incision is made in the groin skin crease.
The testicle is carefully freed.
A small incision is made in the scrotum. The testis is positioned inside the scrotum.
Small dissolvable stitches are used.
6. For a non-palpable testis, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is used to enter the tummy (abdomen).
7. Depending on the location of the testis in the abdomen, a single staged or first (of 2 stages) stage orchidopexy is performed.
Recovery after orchidopexy
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