Surgery for undescended testes

[SAgirl]

My DS is 21 months old, when he was admitted to hospital back in June/July they found his testes weren't in his scrotum, so we were sent for an ultrasound and referred to a surgeon. The surgeon we saw said he didn't need surgery. We happened to have a 2nd appointment at the children's hospital which was never cancelled so we decided to get a 2nd opinion. So anyway, the 2nd surgeon has said she thinks that he needs the surgery as he's 'borderline'

So basically his testes are never down, but they can be pushed down, they have enough 'length' but just need the weight apparently.

So now we are in a dilemma.

What do I do? The 2nd hospital has now booked the surgery for next wednesday which happens to be my bday I don't care about that, I am just not sure what to do for DS.

[MissMuppet]

I'd get the surgery. DS had the surgery at around 18 months and we were told that not having it can affect their fertility as an adult. Originally we were told, 'its not necessary, wait and see', and then when the problem didn't resolve itself we were told to get the surgery. After the surgery we were told that we had left it too long and one was under developed (all along we'd just followed drs advice so it was hard to hear that we'd left it 'too long'.)

Anyway, after our experience I'd recommend being prompt with surgery if its suspected he'll need it.

Good luck.

[SAgirl]

Thanks, I'm leaning towards getting it but I'm so nervous about him having surgery. I'm really worried about it.

[michellek]

You really should have the procedure done to minimise any long term damage. I responded at length in your thread a couple of months ago regarding the procedure so won't go back over everything here. Ds was 8.5mths when his was done and as awful a time it was for me, I knew in the long term it was the best for him. Its not just the fertility issue but also because of the difference in temp in the groin/abdo there is evidence to suggest a higher risk of testicular cancer (just what was conveyed to us by the specialist)

Good luck, ask away with any specific questions

[michellek]

To add, I was so worried as well. I lost sleep & my appetite over the worry My cousin came to the hospital with me so dh could stay home with dd and I was so grateful to have support there. I held it together whilst they gave him the gas then just became a terrible sobbing mess. I honestly believe the Dr now saying it was worse for me than him (that was of little comfort though before we did it) xx

[SAgirl]

Thanks, I will go and re read my other thread.

[lilypily]

Anything that benefits them in the long term is not about us it's about them. Get the big girl pants on and book it 😀. You can do it. Take a support person with you so you can support your DS. The support person can support you if you have a moment.

[SAgirl]

Anything that benefits them in the long term is not about us it's about them. Get the big girl pants on and book it 😀. You can do it. Take a support person with you so you can support your DS. The support person can support you if you have a moment.

Thanks but it's also more than that. I'm confused because 1 surgeon said its not needed and the other has said he's 'borderline'

[Ngaiz]

My DH has slightly undescended testes and his sit in his scrotum. He has Ogliospermia (severe low sperm count) and we needed ivf to conceive. It has really affected his mental health and because of this he feel like a massive failure, a stark cry from the overconfident, co@ky man he used to be.

[MissMuppet]

Thanks but it's also more than that. I'm confused because 1 surgeon said its not needed and the other has said he's 'borderline'

I'd look at it by weighing up the risks of doing it vs not doing it. Its a very low risk surgery and I was terrified in the lead up but was surprised it was nowhere as bad as I'd expected. If you're in doubt talk to your specialist again (the one the surgery is booked through) and ask about the risks of going ahead vs not going ahead. Then you can make a properly informed decision.