Management of the non-palpable testicle

Of the 1% of males diagnosed with cryptorchidism,1 as many as 20% will have a non-palpable testis.2 In these cases, the gonad might be absent, intra-abdominal, or within the inguinal canal (canalicular). Prior to the advent of laparoscopic exploration in 1976, surgical management of the non-palpable testicle consisted of inguinal exploration with extension into the peritoneum if a testis, nubbin, or blind-ending vessels could not be identified.3 The testicle was absent, removed, positioned scrotally, or in the worst case scenario, not located by the surgeon.