CPT® Code 54560

Exploration for undescended testis, also known as cryptorchism, is a surgical procedure performed when one or both testes fail to descend 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 inguinal ligament, and can be performed on either the right or left side. The incision is carefully extended through the subcutaneous tissue to reach the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle. A scalpel is then used to create an incision in the muscle, allowing access to the inguinal canal while preserving the ilioinguinal nerve. If the spermatic cord is identified, it is meticulously dissected free from the cremaster muscle, and the undescended testis is repositioned into the scrotum. In cases where spermatic cord structures or testicular remnants are found, they are removed, concluding the procedure. If no identifiable structures are present, the exploration continues into the abdominal cavity through a lower abdominal incision, where the peritoneum is accessed to search for the spermatic cord or testis. Depending on the findings, the procedure may involve further dissection and repositioning of the testis into the scrotum or may require a staged procedure if there are complications with length or blood supply. This procedure is critical for addressing undescended testes to prevent potential complications such as infertility or malignancy later in life.