Advantages of video-assisted approach in detecting epididymal anomalies and treatment of nonpalpable testis.

In children with a nonpalpable abdominal testis, preoperative localization is very helpful prior to surgical investigation both to reduce the time required and to plan the correct surgical procedure. It is no doubt that laparoscopy is useful in both diagnosis and management of nonpalpable testis. In this study, 15 patients with 17 nonpalpable testes admitted to our clinic in 2 years period were evaluated retrospectively. Ultrasound study was performed in all patients after detailed physical examination. Testicular location, size, and configuration of epididymis were determined by laparoscopy and compared with ultrasound findings. Laparoscopy, in conjunction with ultrasound, permits not only a better localization and anatomy of the testis but is also superior in planning the best choice of management. We believe that the video-assisted inguinal approach is a feasible method in the treatment of nonpalpable testis when compared to pure open surgery.