Publication:

Presentation and management of undescended testes: a prospective study

Background Cryptorchidism is one of the most common disorders encountered in pediatric urology. This can lead to infertility, higher risk of testicular trauma, testicular malignancy, torsion testis, and strangulation of associated inguinal hernia. Hence a study was conducted to evaluate the presentation, complications, and the management of undescended testis.

Methods Patients presented with undescended testis to the General Surgery Department in a tertiary center from November 2012 to May 2014 were included in the study.

Results A total of 40 patients studied during the study period. Thirty-four (85%) testes were palpable. Twenty-four (60%) testes were intracanalicular in position. Thirty-eight (95%) patients underwent orchidopexy and two (5%) underwent ochidectomy (one gangrenous torsion testis and one nubbin). Three (8%) patients developed hematoma; one had superficial surgical site infection. No patient developed testicular atrophy, and no one developed ascending testis.

Conclusions Cryptorchidism is one of the most common disorders of pediatric age. Early diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance. Correction of cryptorchidism is indicated to optimize testicular function, potentially reduce and/or facilitate diagnosis of testicular malignancy, provide cosmetic benefits, and prevent complications such as a clinical hernia or torsion.