Orchidopexy
What is a orchidopexy
An orchidopexy is an operation in which an undescended testicle is brought down into the scrotum and sutured.
How long will it take?
The operation takes about 45 minutes to one hour. This includes the anaesthetic, operation and time spent in recovery room. Your child will be required to stay in the Day Unit for approximately one hour following surgery.
When can my child eat and drink again?
If your child is awake on return to the Day Unit, clear fluids may be offered immediately (breastfed babies can have a breastfeed). A light diet will be offered when fully awake. Do not give aspirin to your child.
Care at home
Pain relief
- Have a supply of paracetamol at home. It can be given as per the instructions on the packaging for the first three to five days after the operation to relieve discomfort.
- Give other pain relief medicine only if advised.
- Do not give aspirin.
Diet and fluids
Your child may eat and drink when feeling well.
Vomiting
It is not uncommon for children to vomit on the night of the operation. If your child is vomiting, give sips of clear fluids, try a piece of dry toast or a cracker biscuit and increase the amounts as tolerated until the vomiting settles. If vomiting continues after 24 hours seek medical advice.
Dressing
Allow plastic or clear dressing to fall off spontaneously or as advised. If your child has a plastic dressing he can bath or shower after 24 hours. If he has a white dressing this must be kept dry so sponge bath only or remove dressing after days or as advised.
Swimming
Allowed after seven days or as advised by your surgeon.
Points to remember
- Orchidopexy surgery usually requires admission for the day only.
- Vigorous play or contact sport should be avoided for about 14 days or as advised.
- Your child may return to school after five to seven days if feeling well.
- Take your child to your GP or to your closest hospital that treats children if there is excess vomiting, persistent high temperatures or excessive pain not relieved by paracetamol.
- If concerned about the operation site, please contact your local GP.
Follow up visit
An appointment will be arranged prior to your child is discharge. Medical or nursing staff will advise if you are to go back to your own GP.
Emergency contact
To ensure your child receives the best possible care in an emergency, you should call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. If you have any concerns or questions please contact your doctor.
Contact Mater Children’s Private Brisbane
Salmon Building,
Raymond Terrace,
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Telephone: 07 3163 8111
Mater acknowledges consumer consultation in the development of this patient information.
Mater Doc Num: PI-CLN-470029
Last modified 29/4/2020.
Consumers were consulted in the development of this patient information.
Last consumer engagement date: 25/10/2019
For further translated health information, you can visit healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/ supported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services that offers a range of patient information in multiple languages.