Bianchi high scrotal approach revisited

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is a common paediatric complaint and is traditionally managed surgically by orchidopexy. We aimed to prospectively review the success of the Bianchi high scrotal incision technique for performing orchidopexy in boys with palpable non-descended testis. A total of 206 orchidopexies were performed in 85 patients during a 5-year period. Testicular position was assessed at follow-up clinics at 6 weeks, 6 months and 2 years. Patients were also asked if they were pain free at each subsequent visit. A total of 206 Bianchi orchidopexies were performed successfully in 156 patients; one patient required an additional inguinal incision. The only post-operative complications were infections in two patients. Testes were palpable and remained in the scrotal sac after 6 weeks, 6 months and 2 years in 122 patients. Scarring was minimal and all patients and their parents were happy with the cosmetic appearance of the testes at follow-up. Our results led us to conclude that the high scrotal single incision Bianchi technique should be recommended to replace the traditional inguinal approach, which requires an additional incision in the management of undescended testis within the inguinal canal.