Children's Surgery Queensland

Orchidopexy is the operation whereby the undescended testis is brought down from the groin into the scrotum and fixed.

 

Discharge from Hospital:

An orchidopexy is a day only procedure and therefore your child will usually be discharged the same day as surgery.

 

Diet:

Once your child is fully awake after the procedure he will be offered clear fluids and if this is tolerated he can then progress to a normal diet.  Infants can resume breast feeding or formula once they have tolerated water where possible.

 

Pain Relief:

Your child will have an anaesthetic block in the theatre that usually lasts for 8 – 10 hours.  After this Paracetamol or Nurofen or a combination of both are the drugs of choice.  The Nurse and or Anaesthetist will advise you of the dosage on discharge.  For older children Painstop may be useful and the Anaesthetist will advise you of this on the day of surgery.

Note:  Do not use Aspiring as it may promote bleeding.

 

Wound Care:

The wound is sutured with dissolving stitches, which are completely hidden under the groin wound.  The stitches in the scrotum will also be dissolving but will be visible.  The would will have Steri-strips and a clear waterproof dressing over it which will come off by themselves in approximately one to two weeks.  If the dressing hasn’t come off in that time you can assist it with some baby oil.  The wound will go hard in the first few weeks as it heals.  There may be some bruising and local swelling and there may also be some swelling in the scrotum.

 

Showering may commence 24 hours after surgery but soaking in the bath should be avoided for 4 days.  Dry the wound gently but well.

 

Complications:

Vomiting post anaesthetic may occur, although this it rare and it is best to give nothing for an hour and then only offer water or clear fluids in small amounts until the vomiting/nausea has stopped.

 

You should contact Doctor’s rooms if the following occurs:

• Your child develops a temperature over 38 degrees

• His/her pain is not relieved by the recommended dose of Paracetamol/Nurofen

• Your child’s wound is hot, red and angry looking or gaping, discharging or bleeding

 

Back to School:

Keep your child home for 2 to 3 days.  If you child has no discomfort then school can recommence after 3 days after surgery.   Vigorous play should be discouraged during the first week after the operation.   Pressure on the scrotum, e.g. riding a bike, should be avoided for at least one week.  Swimming can be commenced after ten days and contact sport should be avoided for 2 weeks.

 

Follow-up appointment:

Please call Doctor’s rooms to book your post-operative appointment as soon as possible for 4 weeks after surgery or sooner if you have any concerns.

 

Should a medical certificate be required please contact the practice and once can be provided.

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Disclaimer:  This web site is not intended as a substitute for your own independent health professional’s advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider within your country or place of residency with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition