In simple words: The doctor performs a surgery to locate a testicle that hasn't descended into the scrotum. They make a small cut in the groin or scrotum and carefully examine the area. If the testicle is found, they may perform an additional procedure in the same surgery to bring it down into the scrotum and stitch it in place.

This procedure involves the surgical exploration of the inguinal (groin) and scrotal areas to locate an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) or confirm its absence. After anesthesia and preparation, an incision is made in the scrotum or lower abdomen, and the tissues are dissected to explore the region. If the testicle is found, a separate procedure may be performed to mobilize it, bring it down into the scrotum, and secure it with sutures. If both testicles are undescended, the exploration is repeated on the other side.

Example 1: A newborn male is diagnosed with an undescended right testicle. Code 54550 is used for the exploration to locate the testicle., A 6-month-old male has an undescended left testicle. The physician performs an exploration of the inguinal and scrotal area. 54550 is reported., A young boy has no palpable testicles in the scrotum. Exploration of both inguinal and scrotal areas reveals no testicles. Code 54550 with modifier 50 is reported.

Operative report detailing the exploration of the inguinal or scrotal area, including findings (presence or absence of testis, location if found), and any additional procedures performed (e.g., orchiopexy, biopsy). Preoperative diagnostic documentation supporting the diagnosis of undescended testis. Documentation of informed consent.