THE EFFECT OF 2-STAGE ORCHIOPEXY ON TESTICULAR GROWTH

Testicular growth was measured in 33 males who had undergone 2 orchiopexies on the developing testis. Multiple surgery on the abdominal or canalicular testis was associated with a high rate of testicular atrophy (40%) and a 46% decrease in testicular volume. A similar decrease (43%) in testicular volume was noted in those patients with an infracanalicular testis but no testis atrophied in this group. The results suggest that primary orchiectomy be considered in the high testis provided the contralateral testis is normal, or alternatively a Fowler-Stephens or microvascular transplant if it is not. Patients with an infracanalicular testis may undergo a careful second-stage orchiopexy. All patients with retarded testicular growth should perform routine self-examination.