Undescended testicles are a common childhood condition where a boy is born without both testicles in his scrotum. It is estimated that about one in every 25 boys are born with undescended testicles. In most cases, no action is necessary – the testicle(s) will move down into the scrotum naturally during the first three to six months. However, a small number of boys have testicles that stay undescended unless treated. The medical term for having one or two undescended testicles is unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism.

If the testicles are placed high up in the abdominal canal or just above the scrotum or in the inguinal canal it is termed as undescended testicles. The surgery of undescended testicles is called Orchiopexy. It can involve one surgery or two depending on the location of the testicles. Small incisions are made in the scrotum, groin and abdomen so that the surgeon can reach to the testicles and bring it down to the scrotum. After the surgery a follow-up is done and the patient should avoid active sports to prevent any injury to their testicles.

This surgery is done to prevent infertility and reduces the risk of testicular cancer. It allows testicular cancer to be detected in the earlier stages. Orchiopexy also reduces the chance of injury and minimizes discomfort.