Non-descent of the testis: An overlooked laparoscopic finding

Abstract 

The purpose of this report is to bring attention to a rare variety of non-descended testis which may be easily overlooked. Between 1996 and 2006 diagnostic laparoscopy was performed for non-palpable testes in 209 children with 229 impalpable testes. Eight abdominal testes were encountered in seven patients located in the sub-renal position; the vas was found to be looping in an upward direction to join the epididymis. Laparoscopic Fowler–Stephen procedure was attempted in all these cases, with the loss of two testes and salvage of six.

Keywords: Undescended testis, Laparoscopy