Prior to Procedure
Your child’s doctor and anesthesiologist will do the following:
- Examine your child
- Do imaging, blood, and urine tests
- Discuss the anesthesia being used and the potential risks
- Discuss the risks of surgery and answer any questions you have
Talk to the doctor about your child’s medicines or any recent illnesses. You may be asked to have your child stop or start certain medicines before surgery.
Other things to keep in mind before the procedure include:
- Bring special toys, books, and comfortable clothing for your child.
- Your child will need to avoid eating for a period of time before surgery. Ask the doctor when your child should stop eating and drinking. For children less than one year, it is often recommended that they do not eat after midnight the night before the surgery. Clear liquids (eg, breast milk, water, clear juices) may be allowed up to two hours before the procedure.
Description of the Procedure
Once your child is asleep, the doctor will make a small incision in one or both sides of the groin. The testicle is located and examined. If there is a
hernia
present, the doctor will also repair this.
Next, the doctor will create a pouch in the scrotum. The testicle will be pulled down into this new pouch. Stitches will hold the testicles in place. The stitches will dissolve on their own. All other incisions will be closed with stitches.
In some cases, a small button will be placed on the outside of the scrotum and secured with a suture. This will hold the testicle down until healing occurs. The doctor will remove the button by cutting the suture a few weeks after the procedure.
In most cases, your child can go home on the same day as the surgery.