value of video-laparoscopy in the management of the impalpable testes

ABSTRACT

The management of a boy presenting with unilateral or bilateral impalpable testes presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This work describes the technique of video-laparoscopy in the diagnosis and management of such testes in 20 patients [24 testes]. The testis was absent or atrophic in 5 patients [20.8%]; it was in the inguinal canal in 12 patients [50%]; just canalicular in 5 patients [20.8%] and abdominal in 2 patients [8.3%]. We also found that the laparoscope can be used therapeutically in straightening the course of gonadal vessels and vas deferens in 3 cases and in performing fowler-stephens long loop vas orchidopexy in 2 cases. We recommended the use of video laparoscope as a routine in cases of clinically impalpable testes