Exploration of Inguinal Canal is Mandatory in Cases of Non Palpable Testis if Laparoscopy Shows Elements Entering a Closed Inguinal Ring

Introduction

Laparoscopy is considered the gold standard for the exploration of non palpable testis (NPT) [1]. However there is considerable debate among pediatric surgeons about whether it is necessary to explore the inguinal canal when laparoscopy shows hypotrophic inner spermatic vessels and a vas deferens that enters a closed inguinal ring [1] [3]. We report an interesting case, treated in our unit, which demonstrates that exploration of the inguinal ring is always necessary.

References

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• 2 Hutcheson JC, Cooper CS, Snyder III HM. The anatomical approach to inguinal orchiopexy.  J Urol. 2000;  164 1702-1704
• 3 Kirsch AJ, Escala J, Duckett JW. et al . Surgical management of the non-palpable testis: the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia experience.  J Urol. 1998;  159 1340-1343
• 4 Renzulli  II  JF, Shetty R, Mangray S. et al . Clinical and histological significance of the testicular remnant found on inguinal exploration after diagnostic laparoscopy in the absence of a patent processus vaginalis.  J Urol. 2005;  174 1584-1586
• 5 Wolffenbuttel KP, Kok DJ, Den Hollander JC. et al . Vanished testis: be aware of an abdominal testis.  J Urol. 2000;  163 957-958

Correspondence