Undescended testes (testicles) happen when either one or both of them haven’t moved down into the scrotum. The condition affects about 4 in 10 boys.
In most cases, the testes will move into the scrotum by the time your child is 6 months old.
If this doesn't happen, it can cause ongoing health issues and they'll need an orchidopexy.
What to expect
An orchidopexy is a surgical procedure. It takes about 45 to 90 minutes, including the surgery and the time your child is in the recovery room.
Before surgery
Your child will be given a general anaesthetic.
During surgery
The surgeon will make an incision in your child’s groin and on their scrotum and move their testes from their groin into their scrotum.
After surgery
Your child’s doctor will let you know how everything went and answer any questions you have. Your child should be able to go home about 2 hours after the operation.
You child will need to come back for an outpatient appointment. The doctor will let you know when this will be.
Care at home
Wound care
Your child will have a small plastic dressing covering their wound. You can leave this on until it falls off or your doctor might take it off when your child’s comes back for their outpatient appointment. It’s important to keep the dressing as dry as possible. Find out how about wound care after surgery.
Your child’s stiches will dissolve by themselves over time.
The surgery may leave a scar, but this will be very small and will fade in 6 to 12 months.
Pain relief
If your child has pain, you may be able to give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. Your anaesthetist, surgeon, pharmacist or the nursing staff will let you know what pain relief is best for your child before you go home.
If the pain continues or you have concerns, see your GP or bring your child to your nearest emergency department.
Eating and drinking
After surgery your child can have clear fluids and light foods such as toast or a sandwich.
Most children can go back to their normal diet the next day.
If your child feels sick or vomits don’t give them anything to eat or drink for one hour. After this, give them sips of clear fluid, dry toast or a biscuit.
Activities to avoid
Your child should avoid bike riding, trampolining, roller blading and painful activities.
They can return to school when they feel ready.
When to seek help
See your GP if:
- you have concerns about your child’s wound
- the wound has areas that are open
- the wound becomes swollen or red around the edges
- redness around the wound spreads to the surrounding skin
- more than half of the dressing is wet with blood or ooze
- your child develops a fever
- the wound smells or there is a yellow or green discharge
- you think that it may be healing too slowly.
Developed by the Department of Paediatric Surgery and Urology, Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Resource ID: FS176. Reviewed: August 2023.
Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.
Last updated: October 2023