Needlescopic surgery for cryptorchidism: The initial series

Purpose: The aim of this study is to report the initial experience with needlescopic surgery (2-mm optics and instrumentation exclusively) for the cryptorchid testicle. Methods: Ten patients (age 8 months to 37 years) underwent 12 needlescopic procedures: orchiopexy (n = 8), orchiectomy (n = 2), and diagnostic exploration with attempted excision of testicular remnant (n = 2). Two patients underwent bilateral needlescopic orchiopexy. Needlescopic (2 mm) optics and instrumentation were used exclusively in the pediatric patients. Results: All procedures were completed successfully by needlescopic techniques. Mean surgical time was 110 minutes (range, 60 to 180 minutes), and blood loss was 6 mL (range, 0 to 20 mL). There were no intraoperative complications. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. In all 8 orchidopexies, the testis was successfully brought to a scrotal position. Conclusions: Needlescopic techniques allow safe performance of various procedures for a cryptorchid testicle. The cosmetic result is excellent. J Pediatr Surg 35:1426-1430. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.