[Comparison of the inguinal and scrotal approaches for the treatment of cryptorchidism in children].

INTRODUCTION: The single scrotal incision orchidopexy was described by Bianchi in 1989. Despite its popularity, the place of this technique in the treatment of cryptorchidism in children is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate and compare the outcomes of the conventional inguinal approach and the scrotal approach for the treatment of palpable undescended testis in children.

METHODS: A prospective study for all patients with palpable undescended testis undergoing orchidopexy between January 2011 and December 2013 was conducted. Totally 200 patients were randomly divided into two groups: group 1: two incisions inguinal approach (80 patients, 100 testis); group 2: single scrotal incision approach (89 patients, 100 testis).

MAIN RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 53.9±13 months in group 1 and 45.8±9 months in group 2. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of patient age (P=0.8) and location of the undescended testis (P=0.359). Operative time was statistically significantly lower in the scrotal group (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the complications rates between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: The single scrotal incision orchidopexy is safe and effective for undescended testicles palpable in the inguinal canal or in high scrotal position.