Long-term outcome of Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy in boys with prune-belly syndrome.

Purpose: Intra-abdominal testes in boys with prune-belly syndrome have been conventionally managed by 1 or 2-stage orchiopexy with division of the gonadal vessels. We reviewed a series of adults with prune-belly syndrome to assess the morphological and functional outcome of orchiopexy in childhood with specific reference to the spontaneous onset of puberty, hormonal profiles and sexual function.

Materials And Methods: A total of 41 boys were divided into 3 groups depending on the type of orchiopexy performed, namely group 1-20 with bilateral 1-stage orchiopexy, group 2-10 with unilateral 1-stage and contralateral 2-stage orchiopexy, and group 3-11 with bilateral 2-stage orchiopexy.

Results: In group 1 9 of 20 patients had good scrotal testes bilaterally, 6 had a good scrotal testis on 1 side and 3 had small testes on each side. Two boys required testosterone supplementation but 18 had normal hormonal and sexual function. In group 2 6 of 10 patients had good scrotal testes bilaterally and 4 had a good scrotal testis on 1 side. All patients underwent spontaneous puberty with good sexual function. In group 3 7 of 11 boys had good scrotal testes bilaterally and 3 had 1 good testis with normal puberty and sexual function. These 10 patients underwent spontaneous puberty with good sexual function.

Conclusions: The majority of boys with prune-belly syndrome had a satisfactory outcome after orchiopexy with division of the gonadal vessels with testicular function sufficient to induce puberty and maintain satisfactory sexual function in adult life.