Balloon inflation-created subdartos pouch during orchiopexy: a new simplified technique

Abstract

Purpose

Creation of subdartos pouch is an integral part of orchidopexy. The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the results that can be achieved by using a new simplified technique (creation of subdartos pouch by balloon inflation of small sized Foley’s or Fogarty catheter during orchiopexy).

Materials and methods

Seventy-five boys with undescended testicle had been operated upon at King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia in the period from April 2007 to April 2008. The technique will be described in detail. All patients were followed up for 12 months on average, range (2–12) months.

Results

They were 75 boys with undescended testicle, 53(71%) palpable cases [48(64%) unilateral, 5(7%) bilateral] and 22(29%) impalpable cases [20(26%) unilateral, 2(3%) bilateral]. Mean age of 13 ± 1.47 months (range, 9–36 months). The mean operative time was 11.5 ± 1.12 min. (range, 10–15 min) for each orchiopexy; whereas, the mean operative time for creation of subdartos pouch was 23.7 ± 1.12 s (range, 20–30 s). There were no intraoperative or early postoperative complications (hematoma or infection). There was no evidence of testicular atrophy by testicular ultrasound among cases of palpable testes. Only two testes among the cases of impalpable testes became smaller in size but viable after 12 months. However, almost all families were happy with good esthetic appearance of the scrotum.

Conclusion

The new technique of balloon inflation-created subdartos pouch during orchiopexy is an easy, safe bloodless and quick technique with good cosmetic outcome.