The lost testis: Failure of physical examination and diagnostic laparoscopy to identify inguinal undescended testis

Pamela I. Ellsworth, Lanna Cheuck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Children presenting with nonpalpable undescended testes are evaluated with diagnostic laparoscopy. The laparoscopic findings of blind-ending vessels and vas deferens are felt to be diagnostic for 'vanished' testes. We present a case of an overweight male in whom the testis was not palpable in the office or under anesthesia and in whom blind-ending vessels were identified on laparoscopy. Inguinal exploration revealed a normal appearing inguinal testis. Although not advocated as a tool in the evaluation of the child presenting with an undescended testis, inguinal ultrasound may have a role in overweight children in whom the examination may be difficult. Furthermore, we would advocate inguinal exploration in overweight children, given the limitations of laparoscopy in this overweight child.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)321-323
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Pediatric Urology
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Laparoscopy and vanished testis
  • Undescended testis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Urology

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