Undescended testicle surgery: Causes, diagnosis with Dr. Reda El-Kady

Undescended testis surgery is one of the most important procedures in pediatric surgery and urology. It is performed to treat a condition in which one or both testes fail to descend into their normal position inside the scrotum. If left untreated, this condition may affect fertility and normal testicular development. Dr. Reda El Qady emphasizes that early diagnosis and proper surgical intervention are the most important factors for achieving the best outcomes and preventing future complications.

What Is an Undescended Testis?

An undescended testis is a condition that occurs when one or both testes fail to move from the abdomen into the scrotum during fetal development or shortly after birth. Normally, the testes descend before birth or within the first months of life.

Dr. Reda El Qady stresses that this condition requires careful follow-up from the early months after birth, as delaying treatment may negatively affect future fertility.

Causes of Undescended Testis

Several factors may lead to this condition, including:

• Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy
• Fetal developmental issues
• Premature birth
• Genetic factors
• Abnormal development of the testicular descent pathway

Dr. Reda El Qady highlights that identifying the cause helps determine the right timing and the most suitable treatment approach for each case.

Symptoms of Undescended Testis

In most cases, an undescended testis does not cause pain, but it can be noticed through:

• Absence of one or both testes in the scrotum
• Asymmetry of the scrotal appearance
• Detection during routine medical examination

Dr. Reda El Qady confirms that early examination by a specialist is the only reliable way to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Undescended Testis

Diagnosis is based on:

• Physical examination
• Ultrasound imaging
• Advanced imaging techniques in complex cases

Dr. Reda El Qady explains that accurate diagnosis helps determine whether immediate surgery is needed or if short-term observation is sufficient.

Undescended Testis Surgery (Orchiopexy)

Orchiopexy is a surgical procedure that brings the undescended testis into the scrotum and fixes it in its normal position. It is considered a safe procedure with a high success rate, especially when performed at the appropriate age (usually before 1–2 years old).

Dr. Reda El Qady confirms that the timing of surgery and the surgeon’s experience play a major role in the success of the operation.

Surgical Steps

The procedure typically includes:

• General anesthesia
• Locating the undescended testis
• Releasing surrounding tissues
• Bringing the testis down into the scrotum
• Fixing it in place to prevent re-ascent

Dr. Reda El Qady notes that advances in surgical techniques have made the procedure safer and significantly reduced complications.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After surgery, the patient usually needs:

• Adequate rest for a few days
• Proper wound care and infection prevention
• Regular follow-up visits
• Avoidance of strenuous activities for a short period

Dr. Reda El Qady emphasizes that following post-operative instructions ensures faster recovery and better long-term results.

Importance of Early Treatment

Early treatment of undescended testis helps in:

• Preserving future fertility
• Reducing the risk of testicular cancer
• Improving normal scrotal appearance
• Preventing psychological and physical complications later in life

Dr. Reda El Qady concludes that delaying treatment may lead to complications that can be easily avoided with early intervention.

Undescended testis surgery is an essential procedure that should not be delayed, as it has a direct impact on a child’s future reproductive health. Early diagnosis and proper follow-up are the foundation of successful treatment, with the best outcomes achieved when surgery is performed at the right time.