Orchidopexy
Your child has been admitted for an operation on his undescended testis. This is to allow correct placement of the testis in the scrotum, to assist the testis to function normally and allow for self-examination as an adult.
The Operation
Your child will have a general anaesthetic which means they will be asleep during the operation. They will also have local anaesthetic (to numb the area) to reduce any discomfort after the operation.
The undescended testis is treated by carefully dissecting it from the surrounding structures within the groin in order to give greater length to the spermatic cord. The testis can then be placed within the scrotum.
Occasionally there is a hernia present and this is dealt with at the same time. The operation is done by making a small incision (cut) in the groin to release the testis and then a further small incision in the scrotum.
This will then allow the testis to be drawn down into the correct position and gently anchored there. The incisions are then closed with dissolving stitches.
After the operation
Your child will stay in the theatre recovery area for a period of time and you will be able to join him there and then accompany him back to the ward.
When he has recovered from the anaesthetic he will be offered a drink and biscuit.
After discharge
Your child may have some bruising and swelling following the operation. This is often most noticeable in the scrotum and should settle within a few days.
We advise that your child has
1 week off from school and should not take part in sports or physical activity for 2 weeks until the stitches have dissolved.
Simple pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given until the discomfort has settled. Please follow the dosage instructions on the packet.
If you have concerns you should contact either the children’s ward or your GP’s surgery.
You will be informed whether a hospital follow up is needed.
You may be contacted by a member of the ward team to check that your child has had no problems following the operation.
Please contact the nursing team at the Paediatric Assessment Unit on 0300 422 8305 if your child has not passed urine by the morning following the operation.
Further information
For further information please visit our website:
https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/our-wards/paediatric-day-unit/
If you would like to watch a video with your child regarding admission to the children’s unit please visit the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HCQl2cTg_M
If you would like more information about the surgery, please visit the link below to read the leaflet provided by the British Association of Urological Surgeons:
www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Patients/Leaflets/Orchidopexy%20for%20UDT.pdf
Contact information
If you have any concerns please contact either the Paediatric Assessment Unit for overnight issues immediately after discharge, or the Paediatric Day Unit the next day.
After the first 24 hours following the operation, the child’s GP should be contacted for advice.
Paediatric Assessment Unit
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel 0300 422 8305
Paediatric Day Unit
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 8452
Tel: 0300 422 8453
Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 7:30pm