Laparoscopic orchiectomy

Laparoscopy has proved to be the most reliable technique in the diagnosis and treatment of nonpalpable testis found in almost 20% of cryptorchid cases. Possible applications are laparoscopic exploration in order to visualise a vanishing testis, Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy and orchiectomy. In orchiectomy, the use of laparoscopy is indicated in adults with single nonpalpable testis, while it is reasonable to use it in severely compromised cases when there is a bilateral nonpalpable testis. Finally it should be used when severe testicular hypotrophy is found. We performed laparoscopic orchiectomy in 6 men at the Departments of Urology of Sassari and Trieste from 1991 to 1996. The mean time of the operation was 1 hour and 50 mins with 1 day hospitalisation. No complications occurred.