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Introduction

Testes are two small, oval-shaped organs in males that produce hormones and eventually sperm as your child grows. While a baby boy is developing during pregnancy, the testes form inside the belly and move down into the scrotum, a pouch of skin behind the penis.

Both testes should be in the scrotum by the time the baby is born so they can develop properly.

If a baby or child has undescended testes, one or both testes will be in the groin or abdomen instead of the scrotum.

Undescended testes are usually picked up by the Maternal and Child Health Nurse or doctor shortly after birth.

Sometimes, the testes may move down into the scrotum on their own in the first three to six months of life. 

However, if the testes do not move by six months, surgery will be needed to move them into the correct position. Ideally, this should be done before 12 months of age.

The surgery to move the testes into the scrotum is called an orchidopexy. This surgery gives your child the best chance to grow as normal.
 

The hospital will give you information on preparing your child for the procedure. 

This will include information like:

• when to stop eating and drinking
• what time to arrive
• how long your child will stay in hospital
• what to bring with you.

Make sure you ask your child's treatment team any questions you may have about the procedure and recovery.

Let the hospital know as soon as possible if your child shows signs of illness, such as fever or breathing difficulties. 

Surgery may need to be rescheduled if your child is unwell.

The operation is done under a general anaesthetic. This means your child will be asleep during the surgery.

Generally, the orchidopexy procedure involves:

1. making small cuts in the groin and on the scrotum
2. finding the undescended testis through the cuts
3. moving the testis down into the scrotum
4. using dissolvable stitches to hold the testis in place.

If the testis is very high in the abdomen, another procedure may be needed to move it successfully.

Your child should be able to go home a few hours after the procedure, depending on their recovery. You will be given pain relief for your child and information on how to care for them at home.