Is it necessary to close the peritoneum over the deep inguinal ring during laparoscopic orchidopexy?

BACKGROUND: During laparoscopic orchidopexy, some authors routinely close the peritoneum over the area of the deep inguinal ring (DIR). We report our experience, to determine whether leaving the peritoneum over the DIR without closure is associated with an increase in the occurrence of postoperative inguinal hernia. PATIENTS & METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopy for impalpable testes in 2004-2010. The patients were divided into two groups: I) cases in whom the peritoneum over the DIR was routinely closed, and II) cases in whom the DIR was left without closure. The patients were followed up in the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: During the study period, 442 boys underwent laparoscopy for 570 impalpable testes. The testis was found to be 'vanishing' or 'atrophic' in 182 (32%). The mobilized testis passed through the anatomical DIR in 198 (51%), and through a new deep ring in 190 (49%). The DIR was closed (I) in 178 (46%) and left open (II) in 210 (54%) cases. On follow up (mean 50 months for I and 41 months for II), there were no cases of inguinal hernia. CONCLUSION: Closing the peritoneum over the area of the DIR may not be necessary, even in cases where the testis has to be passed through a medially created new deep ring, because of a short cord.

Early insertion of trans-scrotal port during laparoscopic orchidopexy: a new concept.

Laparoscopic orchidopexy has become the routine tool in managing abdominal testes. Many techniques have been used to deliver the dissected testis to the scrotal position; a trans-scrotal port is one of them. We present a technique in which the trans-scrotal port is inserted early on, and used not only for testis delivery but also to aid the testicular dissection. We used the technique for 15 abdominal testes in 13 boys and it was safe, and very helpful in dissecting the vascular pedicle to higher levels in an ergonomically easier plane. In addition, it helped in establishing the tract and eventually guiding the dissected testis to the desired scrotal position (12 low and 3 mid-scrotal).