Transumbilical Multiport Laparoscopic Orchiopexy in Children: Comparison With Standard Laparoscopic Orchiopexy

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical outcomes of transumbilical multiport laparoscopic orchiopexy (TMLO) vs standard laparoscopic orchiopexy (SLO) for 1-stage management of impalpable testes in children.Materials and MethodsA total of 30 patients underwent primary TMLO from January 2010 to December 2011. An additional 25 patients underwent SLO during the same period. These 2 procedures were performed with 3 ports and the usual laparoscopic instruments. The demographic, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were analyzed and compared between the patients.ResultsThe patients' demographic data were similar between the 2 groups. The mean operative time was slightly longer in the TMLO than in the SLO group (54.2 vs 47.3 minutes, P <.05), without intraoperative complications in either group. However, no significant difference was noted between the TMLO and SLO groups in the length of hospital stay (4.0 vs 4.1 days, P >.05), interval to resume feeding (5.2 vs 5.4 hours, P >.05) or full activity (2.1 vs 2.2 days, P >.05), viable testis rate (33 of 34 vs 27 of 28, P >.05), or testicular atrophy (1 of 34 vs 1 of 28, P >.05).ConclusionTMLO is a feasible and safe procedure for the management of impalpable testes in children, with clinical outcomes similar to those of SLO. Future randomized studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up are warranted to elucidate the benefits and limitations of TMLO in children.