Single Stage Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens Orchiopexy for Intra-abdominal Testes of Children

Objective: To explore the experience in the treatment of intra-abdominal testes with single stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy.Methods:Between 2003 and 2009,13 patients with intra-abdominal testes were retrospectively analyzed.The mean age was 5.1 years(ranging from 11 months to 14 years).Results: Seven cases were bilateral high abdominal testes;Four cases had one high abdominal testes and the contralaterals were atrophic testes or nubbins;Two cases were unilateral high abdominal testes.All atrophic testes or nubbins were resected,20 testes received one-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy(LFSO).All patients had no significant complication;All patients had follow-up more than 3 months,no testis was atrophic.Conclusion:Laparoscopic technique has significant advantage in the diagnosis and treatment of intra-abdominal testes,according to the position of testes and the tension of spermatic cord,one-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy or one-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy may be performed.Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy have a higher success rate compared with open Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy.