Medically reviewed by: Dr. Anthony Kallas Chemaly
Last reviewed: April 5, 2026
Sources used on this page: trusted clinical references and pediatric-hospital resources listed below.
What is Undescended Testis Treatment in Lebanon?
An undescended testis (cryptorchidism) occurs when one or both testicles fail to move down into the scrotum during fetal development. It is the most common genital abnormality in boys, affecting approximately 3–5% of full-term newborns and up to 30% of premature boys. In about two-thirds of cases, the testis descends on its own within the first 3–6 months of life. If it has not descended by 6 months, it is unlikely to do so spontaneously, and surgical correction is recommended.
Signs and Symptoms
Parents or pediatricians may notice that one side of the scrotum appears empty or smaller than the other. The testis may be palpable in the groin area (inguinal canal) or may not be felt at all (nonpalpable). A retractile testis — one that moves up temporarily due to a muscle reflex but can be gently brought back down — is different and usually does not require surgery. The distinction between a true undescended testis and a retractile testis requires careful examination by a specialist.
When to See a Pediatric Urologist
If your pediatrician identifies that your son's testis has not descended by 4–6 months of age, referral to a pediatric urologist is recommended. Surgery should ideally be performed between 6 and 12 months of age. Early intervention is important because an undescended testis that remains in the groin is exposed to higher temperatures, which can affect future fertility and carries a slightly increased risk of testicular cancer later in life.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily clinical — through careful physical examination. The pediatric urologist will determine whether the testis is palpable (can be felt in the groin) or nonpalpable (cannot be located on exam). For nonpalpable testes, diagnostic laparoscopy may be needed to determine whether the testis is in the abdomen, absent (vanishing testis), or atrophic. Ultrasound has limited reliability for locating undescended testes and is not routinely recommended.
Treatment Options
The standard treatment is orchidopexy — a surgical procedure to bring the testis down into the scrotum and fix it in place. For palpable undescended testes, this is typically a straightforward outpatient procedure performed through a small inguinal incision. For nonpalpable or intra-abdominal testes, laparoscopic orchidopexy may be performed in one or two stages (Fowler-Stephens technique). Dr. Kallas Chemaly performs the full range of orchidopexy procedures, from standard inguinal approaches to laparoscopic techniques for complex cases.
Dr. Kallas Chemaly's Approach
Dr. Kallas Chemaly emphasizes timely evaluation and surgery within the recommended window (6–12 months). He takes time to explain to parents why early surgery matters — for fertility preservation, cancer risk reduction, and normal scrotal appearance. His training at Queen Fabiola Children's Hospital in Brussels, one of Europe's leading pediatric surgery centers, gives him extensive experience with both straightforward and complex undescended testis cases, including bilateral and intra-abdominal presentations.
References
- Stanford Medicine Children's Health: Undescended Testes in Children
- Children's National Hospital: Pediatric Undescended Testes
Serving families across Beirut and Mount Lebanon
Dr. Kallas Chemaly treats Undescended Testis Treatment in Lebanon in children from Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh, Saifi, Sodeco, Verdun, Hamra, Clemenceau, Ras Beirut, Rabieh, Mtayleb, Brummana, Beit Mery, Bikfaya, Mansourieh, Kornet Chehwan, Antelias, Dbayeh, Jounieh, Kaslik, Hazmieh, Yarze, and across Keserwan, Metn, and Baabda.