ABSTRACT
In the male population, nonpalpable testis occurs at an incidence of 1% and about 20% of these cases will have a nonpalpable testis. In 1976, Cortesi was the first surgeon to perform laparoscopy for the diagnosis of nonpalpable testis. Using the laparoscopic approach it is possible to recognize blind-ending testicular vessels and a blind-ending ductus deferens, a situation that is typical for a vanishing testis and requires no further surgical activity. Also, it is possible to identify testicular vessels and a ductus deferens that are entering the internal inguinal ring. Author's technique for a laparoscopic orchiopexy has been adapted from Mathews and Docimo. Alternatively, if not enough length of the testicular vessels can be achieved by tissue preparation, a laparoscopic one-or two-stage Fowler-Stevens procedure can be considered. An excellent success rate with similar complication rates was reported for laparoscopic orchiopexy. The patient is placed on his back in a Trendelenburg position.
