operation for undescended testicles

[cappy1]

Hi Mums

My son will be having and operation to bring down one of his testicles. Has anyone had an experience of this? I feel very anxious about the whole thing...

my DH has, his op was as a young teen. his scar is in a similar place to an appendectomy - at least to teenage eyes - so had no teasing about it during changing for PE etc.

Can't comment about anxiety about the op though, as I didn't know DH then

(Can assure you everything works fine though )

Thanks PandaG

I do think it is important that it is brought down - being the same as all the other boys so there is no teasing!

My ds had an op to correct his hypospadias at 14 months, so I don't know about the technicalities of the op but I can sympathise with the anxiety! It was only mild hypospadias so we were really doing it so that he would look the same as all the other boys. How old is your ds? Will he have to stay in overnight?

One word of warning, I took ds in for his general anaesthetic (dh was waiting outside as they only let one parent in) and he struggled quite a bit as he went under, apparently this is very common. He was absolutely fine but I had to hold him down and it was pretty upsetting. Actually was the worst bit, as once he came round he seemed fine! He had a catheter in for 2 days and was meant to be on bed rest (ha!), we had real difficulties trying to keep him still! Best of luck to you and your ds.

Hi Liege

Thanks for the message. My ds will be 12months when he has his operation. Thy have not told us about how he will be given the anesthetic - I have heard that they give it into their hand by the vein and also I have heard of this method of giving gas when you have to keep them still and they struggle. The latter seems very upsetting to me - but at least I will be better prepared if I know it is going to happen. Thank goodness for the help and support of other mothers!

I do not think that he will stay overnight unless he does not recover well enough. If he is fine - and apparently most are - he can go home the same day

My DS (6yrs) had this done in January. They ended up going through an old hernia site (like appendicectomy). Unfortunately, they could not save the testis.

We were invited to the hospital about a month beforehand and had a tour and talk about what to expect. Even went to theatre. Does the hospital you are going to offer this service?

Your reaction is very important for your LO. You can 'fall apart' once he is under the anaesthetic but be as brave as you can while he is still aware.

They are given cream on their hand which numbs the skin so that if they are given a needle they can't feel it. HTH

My 8 year old has both testicles brought down last year and my two year old is due same op and hypospadoias repair soon.

The op was fine, the GA is always a bit traumatic especially if they have the gas as they tend to fight involuntarily as they go under, looks a bit like a sort of fit but it's not.

DS went home same day. Was quite sore and hard to walk for two days, pain controlled with Calpol piggy backed with ibruprofen. By 4th day he was up and about and gently got back to normal. back to school following week but no PE, sports, swimming, bikes etc for 6 weeks.

He has four scars two low down on his tummy and two under his scrotum.

Hope this helps.

Hi Detta and Mehgaleggs

Thanks so much for the messages sorry for not replying sooner - computer problems!

I think the tour sounds like a good idea although I would probably have to ask for it this coming week (as the operation is due on 14th April Monday).

Not much else I can do I guess except remember that this is for his health and that he will be in good hands. Still feeling very anxious about the whole procedure/anesthetic and recovery afterwards.

xx