[Ornery]

I originally posted this in the toddler section and someone suggested posting it here as she believed a few parents had gone through this here. My apologies in advance if it is not in the correct area.<br><br>
My 15 mo intact ds is going in for a surgery to repair an undescended testicle in 2 weeks and I am extremely nervous about it. My children have always been extremely healthy and I have no idea how to deal with a surgery on such a young child. It needs to be done because the testicle is in his abdominal cavity and will cause significant problems in a few years with regards to sports and possiblity of rupture, etc. In addition, if it isn't done by 18 months, the doctors say that there is additional chance for decreased fertility in the future and, of course, I always trust those doctors completely (sarcasm). Anyways, guess I'm just looking for some advice from someone whose young child has gone through surgery of some type under general anesthesia as I have no idea what to expect. The doctor said he should bounce back very quickly, but I will need to keep him quiet for the first couple of days (HAH!). Any tips, ideas, etc?<br><br>
By the way, I did discuss no retraction during the operation with the pediatric urologist and he was offended that I would think that he would do something so damaging. I asked him to make sure that the nurses were aware of this as well and will reiterate my concerns at the time of surgery.<br><br>
Thanks so much!

 

[aira]

Well, I'm sure there will be lots of info about protecting his foreskin, and others will spell it out better than I can...<br><br>
But just in case you haven't tried... I've heard recently of a lot of success in this with applied kinesiology - it's a form of chiro... My chiro has personally had a big success rate in babes with getting testes to drop with adjustment.<br><br>
I suspect that any ole chiro probably doesn't know how, so I'm guessing that most people wouldn't think about it as an possibility.<br><br>
I don't know where you are, but I can help you look if you're interested in exploring that option before trying surgery. PM me if you're more comfortable.<br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">

 

[mamanurse]

I've assisted in several of these surgeries and also taken care of the patients in the short-stay pediatric unit. The biggest "mistake" I've seen made is foreskin retractrion during catheterization. Most nurses don't even realize you're not supposed to retract an unretracted kiddo. Really they don't know they're doing anything wrong <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"><br><br>
Does he have to have a catheter? Sometimes they don't insert one for this kind of surgery.<br><br>
Otherwise, bring some good magazines and sit back and wait. He'll pull through like a champ <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[Ornery]

Thanks for your replies. I'm not sure about the chiro thing, as his testicle is in his abdominal cavity and that is more difficult than if it is just above the scrotum, but I will definitely check into it.<br><br>
As for catheterization, he will need one. I will discuss having the doctor perform it as I do trust him not to accidentally retract. I know the nurses usually do it, but this doc is really compassionate and I think he will understand. If he doesn't, I will find one that does!<br><br>
Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Eben'sMama]

I would write "UNCIRCUMCIZED CHILD--DO NOT RETRACT FORESKIN FOR <b>ANY</b> REASON!" in red on every consent form that you sign. This is the same tactic that is recommended to parents to ensure that newborns aren't "accidentally" circ'd should they need to be separated from the parents in the hospital at any time.<br><br>
You can never be too careful or too thorough. If they think you're a PITA, tough! It's worth it, IMO, if it means protecting your DS from retraction. I'm also wondering if you could ask if you could be present for the insertion of the catheter?<br><br>
Good luck to you and your DS. I'm sure everything will go well. He's lucky to have such a caring, compassionate and strong mama! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up">

 

[+stella+]

real quick cause its late<br><br>
my son had this surgery as well around 15 months, it was outpatient, we went in in the am and were out by around 2 oclock<br><br>
he didnt need a catheter for the surgery, he had a lap, no testicle was found and so they stitched the other testicle in place.<br><br>
he did very well coming out of the general anesth. he was a little tired that day, totally normal the next, was on antibiotics for the surgery on the gut area and he had a script for codene he only used on day of surgery.<br><br>
they bounce back very fast.<br><br>
during the visit with urologist and then in the hospital the day of surg with the urologist aand the anesthesiologist i reminded them there would be NO FORESKIN MANIPULATION AT ALL, a bunch of times, so they knew i meant business.<br><br>
in my opinion it went well because they didnt give me any grief about it and just stuck to what they were supposed to do, and luckily my son did not get a catheter for surgery.<br><br>
good luck to you, our experience was pretty good, considering a toddler needs surgery, i hope the very best for you and your son. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[Quirky]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>ckmoore</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/8221640"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Thanks for your replies. I'm not sure about the chiro thing, as his testicle is in his abdominal cavity and that is more difficult than if it is just above the scrotum, but I will definitely check into it.<br><br>
As for catheterization, he will need one. I will discuss having the doctor perform it as I do trust him not to accidentally retract. I know the nurses usually do it, but this doc is really compassionate and I think he will understand. If he doesn't, I will find one that does!<br><br>
Thanks again for the advice.</div>
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Can you find out whether he can have a baggie catheter taped on rather than one inserted into the urethra? Apart from the retraction concern, first, there's an increased risk of UTI because you're shoving a foreign object in there (and in a germy hospital environment), and two, because it REALLY hurts. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/yikes.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="EEK!"> Even if the initial cath is done under anesthesia, it makes the urethra sore afterwards.

 

[Ornery]

Thanks. I will check into the baggie catheterization. His surgery is slightly more complex according to the doctor, because his teste is in the abdominal cavity, not in the inguinal (spelling?) canal, which is why he requires the catheterization. I hate the thought of him having any type of pain but this procedure actually seems necessary. He will be put under with gas (while in my arms) before any IVs or catheters are inserted, thank goodness.<br><br>
Thanks again. As a mommy of really healthy children, it seems so weird to have to be contemplating surgery!

 

[paquerette]

Is the cath supposed to be to keep him from peeing on them, or does the bladder actually need to be drained? If the former, I would insist upon the baggie. I would also insist that the cathing be done while you are still present, and that you get to personally talk to the nurse beforehand if a regular cath is required, and make sure that she knows how to fish for the urethra. If she can't do that, get someone from the NICU, better chance that they'll be able to.

 

[babygrant]

I would ask about a condom catheter. Could you also write on his belly "Do Not Retract"? That's what I would do, but I'm paranoid and it's not worth the risk of someone "forgetting".

 

[mamanurse]

There's a good chance his belly will be draped before the catheter is inserted. I'd also go for the condom cath unless they're worried the anesthesia will prevent the bladder from emptying. It's totally possible to cath a youngin without retracting if this is the case. A pediatric or NICU nurse should be able to do it.

 

[zerby]

The reason for the cath could be that since the testes is in the abdomen, if the bladder is not completely drained it could be damaged while they are relocating the testes back to the scrotum. A partially full bladder can rest right by the inguinal canal. If that is the reason, the condom style cath would not be effective.<br><br>
Best of luck with the surgery, I hope that it goes well!

 

[Ornery]

Zerby is correct. I emailed the doctor yesterday (he has Saturday hours) and he said that a baggie catheterization is not going to work because it is necessary to have the bladder drained so that there is no damage done to it during the surgery. He also said that if it made me feel better, he would do the catheterization himself or could ask to have a NICU nurse do it. Not sure if a NICU nurse in my town would be any good as our NICU is TINY. He said that his 6 mo son is not circ'ed and he understands my concerns about retraction. Somehow I lucked into a ped urologist that understands. Which is really strange as I have absolutely NO LUCK whatsoever with docs. I seem to attract the most incompetent docs ever. Thanks again for all of the advice.

 

[aira]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> to you both

 

[Microsoap]

That's great about your doc's son also being intact and him being educated on proper care of the intact penis.<br><br>
I hope all goes well for your son!

 

[Ornery]

Just wanted to let everyone know everything went really well. It was nerve wracking (I was crying the whole time he was in surgery) but he did wonderfully. No retraction either, the ped urologist did the catheterization himself and he was really careful. Thanks for all of the thoughts, advice, etc. I am so glad this board is here.

 

[Twice as nice]

so glad to hear the surgery went so well! Hope your ds recovers quickly and painlessly! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">

 

[mamaverdi]

I'm so glad it went well.

 

[titania8]

that is great news. thanks for the update. hope your little guy heals up quickly. hugs to you too, i know it was a hard day for you. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">