Orchidopexy is an operation to move the testicles from the abdomen to the scrotum. Sometimes, the operation needs to be done in two stages, usually six months apart.
The orchidopexy can be done with open surgery or keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, depending on where the testicle is.
Operation site
It is normal to have some bruising and swelling around the wound site. This will get better over the next few weeks.
If the wound looks red, swollen, hot to the touch or starts leaking blood or pus, it may be infected.
If they seem more irritable than usual or have a fever, please contact your GP or local accident and emergency department for further advice.
Discharge Home
You will be allowed to go home once your child has fully recovered from the general anaesthetic. They will have to eat, drink and pass urine before they can leave.
Pain Control
You should give your child pain medication like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen regularly for at least the first day after the operation. It is important not to wait until the wound becomes painful. The hospital staff will tell you how to manage the pain.
Please have Paracetamol (Calpol) and Ibuprofen (Nurofen) ready at home.
Infection
It is important to keep the wound site clean and dry for the first few days so that it can heal.
“Bugs” (bacteria) that cause infections thrive on warm, moist areas so an operation site is a perfect place for them to grow.
Bathing
Please do not bath or shower your child for the first two days after their operation to reduce the chance of the wound becoming infected.
After two days it will be possible for them to have a bath or shower, however we do not recommend using bubble bath or oils in the bath water for the first week after the operation. These can irritate the sensitive wound site and cause discomfort. Please do not let your child soak in the bath for a long time for three weeks after surgery.
General care
The stitches around the wound will dissolve. This means that they don't need to be removed, but it can take up to two to three weeks for the stitches to fully dissolve.
Dress your child in loose clothing such as boxer shorts and/or tracksuit bottoms. Avoid wearing fitted underpants and harsher material trousers such as denim.
Materials and clothes like this can rub against the wound and the stitches, which can be uncomfortable and irritating.
Nappies should also be kept loose to prevent rubbing.
Activity
Avoid playing on toys that need to be straddled (bicycles and rocking horses) for the first two weeks.
Swimming should be avoided for three weeks following surgery. Avoid PE and contact sports for three to four weeks. School-age children can return to school after a week.
IMPORTANT: After surgery, if your child develops a fever, swelling at the wound site, difficulty passing urine or prolonged bleeding from the wound please take them to your local accident and emergency department immediately.
Contact numbers
Pre-op: Ward T11 admin: 020 3447 1100 (08.00-16.00)
Pre and Post-op: Admission’s team admin: 07966 774 271 (08.00-1600)
Ward T11S: 020 3447 1103 or 07950 869 745
UCLH Switchboard: 020 3456 7890
Page last updated: 13 February 2026
Review due: 08 January 2029