CPT® Code 54550

Exploration for undescended testis, also known as cryptorchism, is a surgical procedure performed when one or both testes have not descended into the scrotum prior to birth. This condition is typically addressed surgically if the testes have not descended by the age of one year. The procedure involves a thorough exploration of the inguinal or scrotal area to locate the undescended testis. The surgical approach begins with an incision made in the skin above the pubic bone, following the natural line of the inguinal ligament, and can be performed on either the right or left side. The incision is carefully deepened through the layers of subcutaneous tissue until reaching the external oblique muscle. A precise incision is then made in the muscle to access the inguinal canal, allowing for the identification and potential repositioning of the undescended testis into the scrotum. If the spermatic cord is present, it is meticulously dissected from surrounding tissues. In cases where the testis or spermatic cord structures are not found, further exploration may be necessary, including abdominal exploration through a lower abdominal incision. This comprehensive approach ensures that any remnants of the testis or spermatic cord can be addressed appropriately, and if viable structures are identified, they can be repositioned into the scrotum. The procedure is critical for addressing undescended testes, which can lead to complications such as infertility or malignancy if left untreated.