Ante-grade Laparoscopic Testicular Vessels Dissection in Proximal Inguinal Undescended Testis: A Novel Approach - Abstract
Purpose: To present a novel approach to deal with proximal inguinal undescended testis (UDT) to improve the mobilization of testicular vessels in these cases laparoscopically in order to improve the outcomes.
Patients & Methods: Seventeen testes of proximal inguinal UDT as diagnosed by clinical examination and ultrasound scan were treated along the last 7 years. All cases were subjected to laparoscopic ante-grade dissection in a medial and lateral manner of inguinal canal including dissection of testicular vessels with distal division of gubernaculum after dissection if needed as described by Prof Sherif Shehata. The testis is brought to abdomen than passed to the scrotum through the canal under laparoscopic guidance. Associated hernia repaired accordingly laparoscopically. Operative findings and post-operative results and complications were assessed. The patients were followed for a period that ranged between 6 and 24 months with mean of 18.5 ± 8 months. Post-operative duplex is done in 3 cases at 3 months post operatively
Results: We have 16 boys with UDT; 8right and 7 left and one bilateral case. Operative age ranged between 8 months and 36 months. Six cases of associated hernia were repaired; 4 by purse string suture and 2 with herniotomy. Operative time ranged between 45 and 90 min without conversion. Mild scrotal edema was reported in 4 cases and port site infection in one case where all were treated conservatively. No case of testicular atrophy in the 3 cases subjected to post-operative ultrasound.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic ante-grade dissection of testicular vessels is feasible and safe new approach in unilateral proximal inguinal UDT. It provides enough length of testicular vessels that provides better outcome along follow up. Larger studies and long-term follow up are needed to support this initial experience.