Testes

The testes descend from their intra-abdominal location to the scrotum during fetal development. Because they share their embryologic origin with the kidney, their nerve supply is similar to that of the kidney and upper part of the ureter and extends up to the T10 spinal segment.^[3]

Although knowledge of the neuroanatomy is essential to provide adequate anesthesia, a thorough understanding of renal physiology and pharmacology is equally important. Frequently, a genitourinary surgical patient has mechanical or functional renal disease. Anesthetics and surgery will significantly alter renal function. Conversely, renal dysfunction will significantly affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anesthetics and adjuvant drugs. Evaluation of a patient with renal disease is discussed later.