Initial success with gubernacular-sparing laparoscopic-assisted Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy for intra-abdominal testes.

A single surgeon's 5-year experience of preserving the gubernaculum in laparoscopic-assisted Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy is reported. Thirty-six cases of impalpable testes are considered. Sixteen patients were confirmed as having intra-abdominal testes, with 20 testes considered to be absent/vanished. At follow-up, all testes had a similar volume to the contralateral testis except for one that had been considered hypoplastic at the initial operation. Mean follow-up was 612 days. The method and potential importance of gubernacular preservation in this situation are discussed.