J Reconstr Microsurg 2010; 26(8): 555-558
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1262950
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Combined Laparoscopic and Microsurgical Techniques for Testicular Autotransplantation: Is this Still an Evolving Technique?

Brian P. Kelley1 , Stephen Higuera1 , Lawerence J. Cisek2 , Jefferey Friedman3 , Lior Heller1
  • 1Department of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
  • 2Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
  • 3Institute for Reconstructive Surgery, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
16 July 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

Testicular autotransplantation is an advanced technique for the correction of high intra-abdominal testicles with inadequate vascular length for repositioning in the scrotum. In the past, surgeons have often avoided this approach due to the extended operative time and the requirement for microsurgical equipment and training. Surprisingly, this procedure remains rare despite the fact that autotransplantation is sometimes the most viable option to relocate the testicle. Further, current advances in laparoscopic surgery allow for testicular harvesting with minimal morbidity and maximal vascular pedicle length. Here, the evolution and an approach combining these two techniques implemented successfully in five patients are presented.

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Lior HellerM.D. 

Department of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston

TX 77030

Email: lheller@bcm.edu