Comparative Outcomes of Single-Stage versus Two-Stage Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens Orchidopexy: A Systematic Review snd Meta-Analysis.

Introduction:  Intra-abdominal testis (IAT) remains a challenging and controversial subset within the management of cryptorchidism. While Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy (FSO) is still being advocated as the gold standard for the treatment of this entity, there is new and conflicting evidence on the comparative outcomes between single- or two-stage laparoscopic FSO (LFSO). The aim of the study is to investigate whether staging has benefits in children receiving LFSO.

Methods:  We searched the PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Trials databases for studies comparing single- with two-stage LFSO in children from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2023. We assessed the identified studies for quality and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The main outcome measures examined were success rate (in terms of the scrotal position of the testis) and testicular atrophy, which were analyzed using fixed effect models.

Results:  We included 17 eligible studies that involved a total of 499 operated testes. The overall success rates of single- and two-stage LFSO were 79.4 and 90.3%, respectively. The overall testicular atrophy rates of single- and two-stage LFSO were 17.3 and 11%, respectively. Fixed effect model analysis showed that two-stage LFSO is significantly superior to single-stage LFSO in overall success rate (odds ratio [OR: 2.57]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50-4.39, p = 0.0006) and testicular atrophy rate (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28-0.79, p = 0.004). There is no heterogeneity in the reports, and the funnel plot showed no publication bias.

Conclusions:  Two-stage LFSO remains the first choice of operation for children with a high IAT, with a significantly higher success rate and a lower testicular atrophy rate.