Single stage Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy: a preferred alternative in the treatment of nonpalpable testes.

In this present study we aimed to discuss the surgical efficacy of single stage Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy (FSO) technique, with an emphasis on its practical and logical application that may be kept in mind during a standard orchidopexy procedure. Twenty-two children have undergone a single stage FSO procedure for nonpalpable testes during the last 9 years in our department. Surgical procedure was initiated with a standard inguinal oblique incision keeping in mind that depending on the position and the anatomic features of the testes a FSO method might be needed. While an excellent result was defined as a testis with good scrotal position, size and adequate blood flow on Doppler sonogram, acceptable result was a palpably normal sized testis in a high scrotal position with adequate blood supply and lastly an unacceptable result was the atrophy of the testis with compromised blood supply. During regular follow-up visits although some cases revealed testicular atrophy; long-term examination (12 months) did show that majority of the testes maintained their normal position and tissue consistency (21/24, 87.5%). Due to the necessity of surgical approach either in the evaluation or the treatment of nonpalpable testes in most cases along with the unsatisfactory data of the time consuming and invasive radiological procedures; we believe that a classical orchidopexy approach together with further single stage FSO will be a rational and satisfactory algorithm in the majority of such cases.