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Surgery for Undescended Testicle: Before Your Child's Surgery

What is surgery for undescended testicles?

Testicles are the organs that make sperm. While a baby boy grows in the womb, the testicles are in his belly. Before birth, they usually move into the scrotum. The scrotum is the sac below the penis.

Sometimes, one or both testicles don't move into the scrotum. Surgery can fix this problem.

If the testicle is in the groin, the doctor makes one cut in the groin and another in the scrotum. The cuts are called incisions. The doctor makes a pouch in the scrotum. Then he or she carefully moves the testicle into the pouch.

If the testicle is in the belly, the doctor may do a laparoscopic surgery. In this surgery, the doctor puts a lighted tube with special tools through small incisions in your child's belly and scrotum. The tube is called a scope. It lets the doctor see the testicle. Then the doctor can guide it to the scrotum.

At the end of either surgery, the doctor closes the incisions with stitches. Your child will have scars that will fade with time.

Your child will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor may use pain medicine to numb the nerves in the surgery area. This is called a nerve block. It helps control pain for several hours after surgery.

You will probably be able to take your child home 2 to 4 hours after surgery. You can expect your child to go back to most activities in 2 to 3 days.

This surgery may increase the chances that your child will be able to father a child later in life. It also makes it easier to feel the testicles and check for testicular cancer later in life.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that this surgery will move the testicles into the correct place. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
Tell the doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.

The day before surgery

A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, the surgery may be cancelled. If the doctor told you to have your child take his or her medicines on the day of surgery, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
Have your child take a bath or shower before you come in. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
Your child may brush his or her teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's glasses or contact lens case.
Be sure your child has something that reminds him or her of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

At the hospital or surgery centre

A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by an anesthesia provider.
The surgery will take about 1 hour.
After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery room staff will monitor his or her condition. The doctor will talk to you about the surgery.
You will probably be able to take your child home 2 to 4 hours after surgery.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.
You don't understand how to prepare your child for the surgery.
Your child becomes ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about your child having the surgery.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter Y618 in the search box to learn more about "Surgery for Undescended Testicle: Before Your Child's Surgery".

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