Laparoscopic versus open orchiopexy in the management of peeping testis: a multi-institutional prospective randomized study

Objective Peeping testis is an inconsistently palpable/seen undescended testis that migrates back and forth at the internal inguinal ring. Both open and laparoscopic orchiopexy are effective forms of management. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of both approaches. Patients and methods Between September 2007 and January 2012, 46 peeping inguinal testes were randomly treated with either open (25 cases) or laparoscopic (21 cases) orchiopexy procedures. Spermatic vessels were preserved for all cases. Operative details, postoperative morbidity and final testicular site and size were recorded. Results The median age of the children was 2.5 years (range 0.5–12.0). The follow-up period ranged from 1.0 to 5.5 years. Of these testes, 20 in the open surgery group and 19 in the laparoscopic group maintained correct intrascrotal position (P = 0.428). Re-do orchiopexy was indicated for two cases in the surgical group (P = 0.493). No cases of testicular atrophy or hernia were encountered. Conclusion Open and laparoscopic orchiopexy procedures for peeping testes are fairly comparable. However, laparoscopy is relatively more effective, as two re-do orchiopexies were required in the open surgical group.