An Evolution of Orchiopexy: Historical Aspect

Abstract

The history of treatment for cryptorchidism dates back more than 200 years. This review is intended to highlight some historical aspect that led us to our current surgical treatment of this condition. The medical and historical surgical literatures pertaining to cryptorchidism were reviewed. Data sources were PubMed, Embase, conference proceedings, and bibliographies. No language, date, or publication status restrictions were imposed. The study of cryptorchidism began with the anatomical descriptions of Baron Albrecht von Haller and John Hunter. Attempts at surgical correction of the undescended testis began in the early 1800s, culminating in the first successful orchiopexy by Thomas Annandale in 1877. Max Schüller, Arthur Dean Bevan and Lattimer contributed to the establishment of current techniques for standard orchiopexy. Later, laparoscopy, high inguinal incision (Jones' approach) and scrotal approach were added to the list of current orchiopexy.

Trans-scrotal Incision Approach versus Traditional Trans-scrotal Incision Orchiopexy in Children with Cryptorchidism: A Randomized Trial Study

“…Cryptorchidism or undescended testis (UDT) is the most prevalent malformation in male neonates,[1] occurs in 2%–4% of them, and decreases to 1% in the 1 st year of life. [23] Such abnormality occurs when the process of descending of testes is impaired and the testes stop along its descending path.…”

Testicle Evanescent in Pediatric Urology: Laparoscopic Management

“…The presence of cord structures is evidence of presence of the testis in early fetal life. When associated with a blind spermatic cord, this entity is called evanescent testicle syndrome in urological literature; anatomically it is characterized by a spermatic cord with no identifiable macroscopically testicular tissue [2]. The absence of a testicle in a man 46XY is usually unilateral and arises from a twist or an intrauterine or perinatal infarction [3].…”

Our Experience in Transcrotal Orchidopexy in Children Affected by Palpable Undescended Testis

“…In fact, it allows an adequate tension-free mobilization of the spermatic cord, a better division of fibers adherent to the cord, an easy dissection of a patent processus vaginalis, often associated with UDT, and, with the second scrotal incision, to fix and secure the testicle within the scrotum. 12 To decrease the potential morbidity of the inguinal approach, in 1989 Bianchi and Squire 13 introduced the high transcrotal incision for the mobilization of a palpable UDT (pUDT) and, if necessary, ligation of an associated patent processus vaginalis. The "transcrotal orchidopexy" has the advantage of requiring much less dissection, provides greater comfort for the patient, rapid healing, excellent cosmesis, and a well-maintained testicular position.…”