Orchidopexy: Surgery for Undescended Testicles, Risks & Recovery

TL;DR

Orchidopexy (also called orchiopexy or testicular fixation surgery) is an operation to move an undescended testicle down into the scrotum and fix it in place (StatPearls). It is most commonly done in baby boys, and is usually recommended between about 6 and 18 months of age, because early surgery gives the best chance of normal testicular development and fertility, and makes future monitoring easier (NHS). The surgery is safe and routine, done under general anaesthesia through a small cut in the groin or scrotum, often as a day-care procedure. Risks are uncommon and include bleeding, infection, swelling, rarely testicular shrinkage, or the testicle moving back up. Recovery is usually quick, with most children back to normal within one to two weeks. Contact your doctor for fever, spreading redness, severe pain or heavy bleeding.

Quick Answer

Orchidopexy is surgery to bring an undescended testicle into the scrotum and secure it. It is mostly performed in infants and young boys, ideally between 6 and 18 months of age, to support normal development and fertility and to lower long-term risks. Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision in the groin or scrotum, frees and repositions the testicle, and fixes it in place, usually as a day procedure. It is safe and effective, with uncommon risks like bleeding, infection or the testicle re-ascending. Most children recover within one to two weeks. Seek medical help for fever, worsening pain, spreading redness or discharge.

Author: Mylo Editorial Team, Mylo Parenting Desk Medically reviewed by: Mylo Editorial Board, aligned with NHS and paediatric urology guidance Last updated: 14 July 2026

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Decisions about your child's surgery, timing and care should be made with your paediatric surgeon or urologist. Seek prompt medical help for any warning signs after surgery.

Key Takeaways

• Orchidopexy moves an undescended testicle into the scrotum and fixes it in place (StatPearls)

• It is most common in baby boys, usually done between 6 and 18 months of age

• Early surgery supports normal development, fertility, and easier future monitoring (NHS)

• It is done under general anaesthesia, often as a day-care procedure

• It reduces risks linked to undescended testicles, like torsion and hernia

• It also allows better monitoring for testicular cancer, though it does not remove all risk

• Risks are uncommon: bleeding, infection, swelling, rarely atrophy or re-ascent

• Most children recover within one to two weeks with simple aftercare

What Is Orchidopexy?

Orchidopexy, also known as orchiopexy or testicular fixation surgery, is a procedure to treat an undescended testicle (a condition called cryptorchidism). Normally, a baby boy's testicles move down into the scrotum before or shortly after birth. When one or both do not, they may remain in the abdomen or groin, and orchidopexy gently moves the testicle into the scrotum and secures it there (StatPearls).

Placing the testicle correctly in the scrotum allows it to develop and function normally. It is a standard, effective and commonly performed operation, especially in young children (American Academy of Pediatrics).

Why Is Orchidopexy Performed?

A note on cancer risk: an undescended testicle carries a higher lifelong risk of testicular cancer. Orchidopexy, especially when done early, may reduce this risk and, importantly, makes the testicle much easier to feel and check, so any problem can be found sooner. It does not remove the risk entirely, so self-examination in later life remains important.

When Should Orchidopexy Be Done?

Timing matters. For babies with an undescended testicle that has not come down on its own, surgery is usually recommended between about 6 and 18 months of age (NHS) (AUA Guideline). Operating in this window gives the best chance of protecting fertility and testicular health. Sometimes an undescended testicle descends by itself in the first few months, so doctors often watch briefly before deciding. In older boys, teenagers or adults diagnosed later, orchidopexy can still be done.

How Is Orchidopexy Surgery Performed?

Orchidopexy is done under general anaesthesia, often as a day-care (same-day) surgery. The main steps are:

1. Incision: the surgeon makes a small cut in the groin, and sometimes the scrotum

2. Locating the testicle: the undescended testicle is found in the groin or abdomen

3. Mobilisation: it is gently freed from surrounding tissues so it can reach the scrotum

4. Securing the testicle: it is placed into a small pouch in the scrotum and fixed with fine sutures

5. Closure: the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches, and a dressing or adhesive strips are applied

If the testicle is high up or cannot be felt, the surgeon may use a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach to locate and bring it down, sometimes in two stages. The exact technique depends on the child's age, where the testicle is, and the surgeon's judgement. It is a safe, routine operation with a high success rate.

You may also like: Testicular ultrasound: what to know about the procedure

Risks and Complications of Orchidopexy

Orchidopexy is generally very safe, but as with any surgery, there are some uncommon risks:

Most children have none of these and recover smoothly.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery is usually quick, and most children are back to normal within one to two weeks. Helpful aftercare includes:

• Rest and gentle activity: avoid rough play, sports and heavy lifting for a few weeks, as advised; for young children, avoid straddle toys (cycles, ride-ons)

• Pain relief: give prescribed pain medicine as directed; discomfort usually eases in a few days

• Wound care: keep the area clean and dry, and follow your surgeon's dressing instructions

• Supportive underwear: for older boys, snug briefs can add comfort

• Hygiene: avoid baths, swimming pools and hot tubs until your doctor allows

• Avoid straining: offer plenty of fluids and fibre to prevent constipation

• Follow-up: attend all follow-up visits so the surgeon can check healing and testicle position

When to Seek Medical Help After Orchidopexy

Contact your doctor promptly if you notice:

• Persistent or heavy bleeding from the wound

• Signs of infection: increasing pain, spreading redness, swelling, warmth, discharge or fever

• Severe or worsening pain not helped by medicine

• Marked swelling, or a change in the size, shape or position of the testicle

• The testicle seeming to move back up (possible re-ascent)

• Difficulty passing urine or blood in the urine

• Any severe allergic reaction (trouble breathing, facial swelling, hives), seek emergency care

Indian Context

In India, undescended testicles are sometimes noticed late, or families delay surgery hoping the testicle will come down on its own or due to hesitation about operating on a small child. Current guidance is clear: if the testicle has not descended by around 6 months, it usually will not, and surgery in the 6 to 18 month window gives the best outcomes. Choose a qualified paediatric surgeon or urologist, and do not postpone unnecessarily, early treatment protects fertility and makes lifelong testicular health monitoring easier. Undescended testicle is common and very treatable, so there is no need for shame or delay.

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

Bacche ka orchidopexy operation kis umar mein karana chahiye? (Hinglish)

Agar 6 mahine tak testicle apne aap scrotum mein nahin aata, to aksar 6 se 18 mahine ki umar ke beech surgery ki salah di jaati hai. Is umar mein operation karne se fertility aur testicular health ke liye sabse acha result milta hai. Der karne se bachein aur ache paediatric surgeon se milein.

Orchidopexy ke baad recovery mein kitna time lagta hai? (Hinglish)

Zyadatar bacche 1 se 2 hafte mein normal ho jaate hain. Kuch din discomfort aur swelling ho sakti hai. Rough play aur cycle jaise straddle toys kuch hafte avoid karein, wound saaf-sookha rakhein, aur doctor ki batayi dawa aur follow-up zaroor follow karein.

Is orchidopexy a major surgery?

It is a routine, commonly performed operation, usually done as day-care surgery under general anaesthesia. While any operation is serious, orchidopexy is considered safe with a high success rate and quick recovery.

Will my child be able to have children after orchidopexy?

Correcting an undescended testicle early supports normal sperm production and improves fertility potential later in life. This is one of the main reasons the surgery is recommended in the first 6 to 18 months.

Can an undescended testicle come back up after surgery?

Rarely, the testicle can re-ascend and may need another procedure. This is why follow-up visits are important, so the surgeon can confirm the testicle stays in the correct position.

References

1. Elseth A, Hatley RM. (2021). Orchiopexy. StatPearls / NCBI. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

2. NHS. Undescended testicles. www.nhs.uk

3. Cleveland Clinic. Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism). my.clevelandclinic.org

4. American Urological Association (AUA). Evaluation and Treatment of Cryptorchidism: AUA Guideline. www.auanet.org

5. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism). www.healthychildren.org

6. Mayo Clinic. Undescended testicle. www.mayoclinic.org

7. Boston Children's Hospital. Orchiopexy. www.childrenshospital.org

8. Zouari M, Dhaou MB, Jallouli M, Mhiri R. (2015). Single scrotal-incision orchidopexy for palpable undescended testis in children. Arab Journal of Urology. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov