During fetal development, the testicles typically descend from the abdomen into the scrotum; however, when a testicle does not move downward, it is referred to as an undescended testicle. Orchiopexy is a surgical procedure used to treat an undescended testicle.

Performing an orchidopexy is necessary because if a non-descended testicle is not brought down into the scrotum before puberty, it usually will fail to develop its ability to produce sperm – increasing the risk of infertility. Additionally, if it remains undescended, there is a slightly increased risk of developing testicular cancer within that testicle.