Undescended Testis
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Undescended testis, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition in which one or both of the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum before birth. Typically, the testicles descend during the final months of fetal development, but in some cases, they remain in the abdomen or the groin. This condition affects approximately 3-5% of full-term male infants and up to 30% of premature infants. If left untreated, undescended testis can lead to complications such as infertility, testicular cancer, and inguinal hernia. Fortunately, there is a surgical procedure to correct this condition known as orchiopexy.
Orchiopexy is the primary surgical method used to treat undescended testis. The goal of this procedure is to move the testicle from its abnormal position into the scrotum and secure it in place to prevent retraction. This surgery is most commonly performed on infants between 6 to 18 months of age but can also be carried out later in childhood or adulthood if necessary. Early intervention is recommended to minimize the risk of complications, especially related to fertility and testicular cancer.
The procedure involves making a small incision in the groin or lower abdomen to locate the undescended testis. Once the testicle is found, the surgeon carefully moves it into the scrotum and sutures it into place. In some cases, if the testicle is located too high in the abdomen or is non-functional, additional surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, may be required. If the testicle is non-viable, it may be removed to prevent future complications. The procedure is relatively safe and straightforward when performed by experienced pediatric or urological surgeons.
Procedure Duration
The duration of the orchiopexy procedure can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the patient, such as the location of the undescended testis and the patient's overall health. On average, the surgery takes about 45 minutes to an hour per testicle. This timeframe is typical for a straightforward case where the testicle is located near the groin. However, if the testicle is higher in the abdomen or requires laparoscopic intervention, the procedure may take longer, up to two hours in more complex cases.
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the patient may be discharged the same day, as orchiopexy is often done as an outpatient procedure. After the surgery, patients are monitored for a few hours to ensure they recover well from the anesthesia and experience no immediate post-operative complications. In some cases, particularly with younger patients or those with underlying medical conditions, an overnight hospital stay may be recommended for closer observation.
Recovery from orchiopexy typically involves a period of rest and limited physical activity to allow the surgical site to heal. Most patients can resume normal activities, such as walking and light play, within a few days. However, strenuous physical activity, including sports and heavy lifting, should be avoided for about four to six weeks. Full recovery and return to normal function are usually achieved within this period. The success rate of orchiopexy is high, with over 90% of patients experiencing a successful outcome.
Benefits
- Prevention of Future Health Complications: Early treatment reduces the risk of testicular cancer and other complications related to undescended testis.
- Improved Fertility: Correcting the position of the testis at a young age improves fertility prospects in adulthood.
- Decreased Risk of Inguinal Hernia: Surgical correction helps prevent hernia development, which is common in cases of undescended testis.
- Enhanced Physical Appearance: Orchiopexy ensures a more normal scrotal appearance, which can boost self-esteem in later years.
- Minimally Invasive with High Success Rates: The procedure is minimally invasive, with a high success rate and low risk of complications.
Potential Destinations
- Thailand: Known for its world-class healthcare system and affordable medical treatments, Thailand offers highly skilled surgeons experienced in pediatric and urological procedures, including orchiopexy. The country’s medical infrastructure is internationally accredited, and it is a top destination for medical tourists.
- India: India is a preferred destination for various surgical treatments due to its advanced medical technologies, affordability, and highly experienced surgeons. Many hospitals in India specialize in pediatric surgeries, including the correction of undescended testis, with cutting-edge facilities.
- Turkey: Turkey is rapidly becoming a hub for medical tourism, offering high-quality medical care at competitive prices. Its hospitals provide advanced urological care with highly skilled surgeons, making it an ideal destination for orchiopexy procedures.
- Mexico: Mexico is well known for offering affordable healthcare to international patients, with modern medical facilities and qualified specialists. Proximity to the U.S. makes it a convenient option for North American patients seeking cost-effective treatment for undescended testis.
- Costa Rica: With its reputation for excellent healthcare services and affordable medical treatments, Costa Rica is an attractive destination for medical tourists. The country boasts advanced medical infrastructure and experienced surgeons specializing in pediatric urology.
Risks & Considerations
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site. Proper post-operative care is essential to minimize this risk.
- Recurrence of Undescended Testis: In rare cases, the testicle may retract after surgery, requiring further intervention.
- Damage to the Testicle or Surrounding Tissue: While rare, there is a small risk of damage to the testicle or surrounding structures during surgery, which could affect future fertility or hormonal function.
- Anesthetic Risks: General anesthesia carries some risk, especially in very young patients or those with underlying health conditions. Careful monitoring during the procedure helps mitigate these risks.
- Post-operative Pain or Discomfort: Patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort at the surgical site, which can usually be managed with pain relief medication.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When choosing a doctor and hospital for the treatment of undescended testis, it is crucial to prioritize expertise and experience. Look for a board-certified pediatric urologist or a surgeon with specialized training in urological procedures. A doctor with a strong track record of performing orchiopexy surgeries is preferable, as this ensures familiarity with the nuances of the procedure, especially for complex cases involving high or bilateral undescended testicles.
Equally important is the hospital or medical facility where the surgery will take place. Opt for a hospital that has a reputation for excellence in pediatric surgery or urology, and ensure the facility is equipped with advanced surgical technology and offers comprehensive post-operative care. International patients should also consider hospitals that have experience in treating medical tourists, as they are more likely to provide seamless care coordination and patient support services.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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