Laparoscopic management of the nonpalpable testicle

With the introduction of pediatric laparoscopy, both diagnosis and nanagement of the nonpalpable testicle have become feasible in one procedure. In experienced hands, laparoscopy is safe in the pediatric patient population. Identification of nonpalpable testes and orchiopexy of intraabdominal testes using this technique can save many testicles which in the past may not have been identified or could not be addresed without a large abdominal incision. The postoperative course is much easier on the patientj and recovery time is far shorter following laparoscopic surgery. Furthermore, in the 20-30% of cases of nonpalpable testicles in which the testis is absent, laparoscopy can save the patient a large incision for diagnosis. In this video, we review the basic anatomy and technique relevant to laparoscopic management of the nonpalpable testicle.