A Comparative Study between Single Scrotal Incision Orchiopexy and Traditional Inguinal Approach in Treatment of Children with Palpable Low-Lying Undescended Testis

Article information Background: The management of undescended testis encompasses both endocrine therapy and surgical intervention. Nevertheless, the efficacy of endocrine therapy is imprecise and linked with unfavorable outcomes. Consequently, surgical intervention remains the favored approach for addressing cases of undescended testis. Aim of the work: We aimed to compare the outcomes of single scrotal incision orchiopexy versus the traditional inguinal approach in the treatment of children suffering from the palpable low-lying undescended testis [PUDT]. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled comparative study that included 40 patients presented with palpable low-lying undescended testis to the pediatric surgery outpatient clinic and admitted to the pediatric surgery unit at the general surgery department of Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Assiut. Patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups 20 patients each: Group 1: underwent the traditional inguinal approach for orchiopexy. Group 2: underwent single scrotal incision orchiopexy. Results: As regards the operative time, we found that the mean operative time was higher in group 1 than in group 2 [30.5, and 22 minutes respectively], with a statistically significant difference between the two groups [P value = 0.001]. As regards the postoperative complications, we found that five patients [25%] in group 1 developed complications which is higher than that of group 2 in which the total reported complications were in 3 [15%.] patients. In terms of Wound infections and dehiscence, they were the most common postoperative complication in our study which represent 45% of the total reported complications. We reported four cases in the traditional inguinal approach orchiopexy group and 2 cases in the single scrotal incision orchiopexy group. Conclusion: As a less invasive surgical option for PUDT, single scrotal incision orchiopexy is safe, effective, promising, and potentially successful.