What does the testicular retention mean and how can it affect a child's life?
Testicular retention is the condition during which the testicle did not descend into the scrotum and remained in the abdominal cavity or in the groin. If the testicle is not surgically retracted into the scrotum within about 1.5 years of age of the child, its reproductive ability may be significantly affected. Surgery is also necessary due to the higher probability of tumor growth should the testicle remain in the abdominal cavity.
How can undescended testicles be treated and diagnosed?
It is possible to wait for the testicle to descend into the scrotum up until the 6th month of the child's age (longer in premature boys). After 6 months of age, treatment can be only surgical. The diagnosis is made by a palpable pediatric surgeon, when he/she does not find a testicle in the scrotum. In this case, ultrasound is only an additional examination and is not always necessary before the operation.
What is the procedure for the testicular retention surgery in our clinics?
Under general anesthesia, an incision is made in the groin, the testicle and the seminal cord are clarified. The testicle is withdrawn through the inguinal canal into the scrotum and the incision on the scrotum is secured in place with several stitches, the bleeding is stopped and the resulting wound is closed with several absorbable sutures.
Will there be a scar after the operation of the undescended testicle and how does the healing look like?
After the operation of the undescended testicle, the scar remains in the groin (approx. 2-3 cm) and on the scrotum approx. 2 cm. The scars heal very well in such small children and are not visible in adulthood. We sew all wounds with a plastic stitch with an excellent cosmetic effect.
What are the limitations and procedure after the operation?
It is advisable not to actively play sports with the child for 4 weeks following the operation and not to let them sit astride (on a swing or a bouncer etc.). We recommend avoiding the pool up to a month after the operation.
