You and your child will meet the anaesthetist on the morning of the procedure. After talking to you and briefly examining your child, they will take you through to the operating theatre. One parent is welcome to accompany your child until they are asleep. The anaesthetist puts your child to sleep via a face mask (with children 5 years and over there is the option of a face mask or a needle with numbing cream). You will then be shown the waiting room where there is tea, coffee or chilled water available to drink. Once your child is asleep, the anaesthetist will insert a ‘drip’ to allow fluids to be given directly into a vein. Usually this is located in the hand or arm, but occasionally may need to be sited in the leg or scalp.

The groin area and scrotum is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A local anaesthetic block is injected into the area so that the site of the operation is numb after the operation. This block usually lasts for about 4 to 6 hours. A cut is made in the groin on the side of the undescended testis, with a second smaller cut at the bottom of the scrotum on the same side. Once the testis has been found, it needs to be carefully released so that it can be brought into the scrotum. This will often involve removing a small hernia near the testis. The hernia must be peeled off two important tubes: the blood vessel to the testis and the sperm tube. This usually allows the testis to be placed in the scrotum. The wounds can then be closed with dissolving stitches which are buried under the skin in the groin but which will be visible in the scrotum. A clear water resistant dressing is then placed over each wound.

If the testis is very high in the groin or inside the abdominal cavity, a laparoscopic orchidopexy may be performed. This involves inserting a small telescope through the umbilicus, with typically two further incisions about 5mm in size in the lower in the abdomen for special instruments to enable the testis to be mobilised into the scrotum. If the blood vessel to the testis is very short, occasionally two operations approximately 3 months apart may be required for the best chances of success.

As a result of the local anaesthetic nerve block, your child may complain of a numb sensation in the groin and in some cases some weakness in the leg on the side of the surgery. This is temporary and will generally settle within a day or so of the operation.

If the testis is very high in the groin or inside the abdominal cavity, a laparoscopic orchidopexy may be performed. This involves inserting a small telescope through the umbilicus, with typically two further incisions about 5mm in size in the lower in the abdomen for special instruments to enable the testis to be mobilised into the scrotum. If the blood vessel to the testis is very short, occasionally two operations approximately 3 months apart may be required for the best chances of success.

After the operation has finished, your child will be taken to the recovery area. Once awake, you will be called into the recovery ward. Often children appear mildly distressed and a little confused initially. There may be several reasons for this, including residual effects of the anaesthetic, hunger and some discomfort. Generally they will settle quite quickly, especially if offered a drink or feed. The recovery ward staff are also able to give pain relief medication once your child is awake and sometimes this is required. The ward staff will also check the wounds and make sure you are happy before you go home. Usually this will be about 2 hours after the surgery.

As a result of the local anaesthetic nerve block, your child may complain of a numb sensation in the groin and in some cases some weakness in the leg on the side of the surgery. This is temporary and will generally settle within a day or so of the operation.

As a result of the local anaesthetic nerve block, your child may complain of a numb sensation in the groin and in some cases some weakness in the leg on the side of the surgery. This is temporary and will generally settle within a day or so of the operation.

Your child can begin eating when he gets home. Start with clear liquids (apple juice, iceblocks) and add solid food slowly and in small amounts. Your child may vomit from the anaesthesia on the day of surgery. This should stop by the morning after surgery.
Your child can begin eating when he gets home. Start with clear liquids (apple juice, iceblocks) and add solid food slowly and in small amounts. Your child may vomit from the anaesthesia on the day of surgery. This should stop by the morning after surgery.

Your child may return to day care or school when comfortable, usually within 3-5 days. He should not participate in sports or swimming for 3 weeks after the surgery and should not ride straddle toys (bikes, walkers) for 2 full weeks after surgery. You should continue to use your car seat.