Prior to Procedure

Your child’s doctor will do the following before the surgery:

• Physical exam
• Imaging, blood, and urine tests
• Discuss the anesthesia being used and the risks of surgery

Talk to the doctor about your child’s medicines or any recent illnesses. You may be asked to have your child stop or start certain medicines before surgery.

Other things to keep in mind before the procedure include:

• Bring special toys, books, and comfortable clothing for your child.
• Your child will need to avoid eating for a period of time before surgery.
  • For children younger than one year, it is often recommended that they do not eat after midnight the night before the surgery.
  • Clear liquids (eg, breast milk, water, clear juices) may be allowed up to two hours before the procedure.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. It will keep your child asleep during the surgery and block pain.

Description of the Procedure

Small keyhole incisions will be made in one or both sides of the groin and in the abdomen. Long, thin tools will be passed through the incisions. They will allow the doctor to view and operate inside the body. First, the testicle will be examined.

Next, a pouch will be created in the scrotum. The testicle will be pulled down into the newly created pouch. Stitches will hold the testicle in place. The stitches will dissolve on their own. All other incisions will also be closed with stitches.

In some cases, a small button will be placed on the outside of the scrotum. The button will hold the testicle down until healing occurs. The doctor removes the button by cutting the stitches a few weeks after the procedure.

A medication may be given during the surgery to help manage discomfort after the procedure. In most cases, your child can go home from the hospital on the same day as the surgery.

How Long Will It Take?

1 hour per testicle

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Medication will be given after the surgery to manage pain.

Post-procedure Care