Undescended testicle (also known as cryptorchidism) is when one or both of a baby boy's testicles have not moved down into their proper place in the scrotum. 

An undescended testicle can lead to other medical problems, so the surgeon performed an orchiopexy (or-kee-oh-PEK-see). The surgeon made a small cut in the groin, brought the testicle down into the scrotum, then stitched it in place. Most babies go home the day of the surgery and recover fully within a week. Here's how to care for your child while they heal.

Follow your surgeon's advice for:

• Giving your child medicine for pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old. 
• What your child can eat and drink. Most kids drink clear liquids, such as broth or watered-down juice, or an oral electrolyte drink, before they leave the hospital. If your child is doing OK with the clear liquids, you can offer soft foods and then your child's regular diet over the next day or so.
• When to take off any bandages, strips, or dressings.
• Washing the incision area. 
• Bathing; your child will likely need sponge baths for the first 2 days. After that, most kids can have short baths (5–10 minutes) for the next week and then go back to their normal bathing routine.
• What activities to avoid, such as straddle toys, roughhousing, contact sports (such as football and hockey), playing at a playground, and riding a bike.
• When your child can go back to all activities and sports.
• When to follow up.

Your child:

• Throws up and cannot keep any fluids down
• Gets a fever
• Is bleeding from the incision 
• Has increasing redness around the incision

Your child:

• Has worsening pain
• Is very fussy and can't be comforted
• Has swelling in the scrotum

Will the testicle that was moved stay in the scrotum? In most cases, the testicle will stay in the scrotum. Rarely, a second surgery may be needed to move it again.

What are the risks from having an undescended testicle? There are some risks, such as:

• Testicular torsion (twisting of the testicle) 
• Lower than normal sperm count, which may affect fertility 
• Slightly higher risk of testicular cancer as an adult

Surgery to bring the testicle into the scrotum can help lower these risks.