Orchidopexy Discharge Information and Advice for parents/carers/guardians

Your son has had an orchidopexy. An orchidopexy is an operation to bring the testicle down into the scrotum as sometimes a testicle does not come down naturally.

This may require 2 incision sites, one to locate the testicle and one to fix it in place. This operation usually takes about one hour.

The complications can include:

• Pain.
• Bleeding.
• Scarring.
• Infection.

What can we expect when we go home?

Your son may have some discomfort but the medication he has been recommended on discharge should help, if taken regularly.

These are usually paracetamol and ibuprofen. You should always follow the instructions given in the leaflet supplied with the medication.

If your son’s pain becomes severe or continues for more than 7 days you should contact his GP for further advice.

He may have some swelling and bruising around his wound site. He may suffer from nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick) because of the anaesthetic. If he feels sick it is important, he is given plenty of fluids to drink to stop him becoming dehydrated.

If your son:

• Feels sick or is vomiting for more than 24 hours.
• Feels feverish, unwell or develops a temperature higher than 38^oC.
• The area around the wound becomes red, hot and painful to touch.
• The wound leaks any fluid.

You should contact his GP during normal surgery hours.

Outside surgery hours you should contact the NHS 111 Service. If he has an urgent problem the night after his operation you should contact your local Emergency Department for advice (see contact numbers).

What activities should my son avoid when he gets home?

For the first 24 hours after an anaesthetic your son:

• Must be always supervised by an adult.
• Must not go back to school or nursery.
• Must not lock the toilet or bathroom door in case they need help.
• Must not play sports or games for at least 2 weeks.
• Must not ride a bike for at least 2 weeks.

Will my son have a wound or dressing?

Your son will have a wound that has been closed with absorbable sutures (stitches). These will dissolve over the next 2 – 3 weeks. The wound will be covered with a sterile dressing and can be removed after 7 days.

When can my son have a bath or shower?

He may have a bath or shower 24 hours after the operation, when the effect of the anaesthetic will have worn off. Be careful not to soak the wound or the dressing may come off. You should dry the area thoroughly by patting with a clean soft towel.

When can my son return to school or nursery?

Your son can return to school or nursery 7 days after his operation. You must tell the school of your son’s operation.

Will we need to return to the hospital?

The nurse will tell you if your son needs a follow-up appointment. If needed, an appointment will be sent through the post. His GP will be informed of his operation.

Contact numbers

If you have any worries or concerns you should contact:

University Hospital of North Tees

Children and Young Person’s Emergency Department (CYPED)

Telephone: 01642 624 533

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]