Laparoscopy for the nonpalpable testis.

Cryptorchidism represents one of the most common childhood disorders with the incidence of testicular maldescent being 0.8% by 1 year of age. Nonpalpable testis occurs in approximately 20% of patients with cryptorchidism. Laparoscopy for diagnosis and management of nonpalpable testis has shown to be highly effective with few complications. This article reviews some of the special considerations in performing laparoscopy in children with descriptions about the unique features of a child's anatomy and physiology. The role of laparoscopy in the evaluation and management of nonpalpable testis is discussed, along with some of the controversies about how laparoscopy may be changing our approach to a child with a nonpalpable testis. Copyright 1998 W.B. Saunders Company.