What is Undescended Testicle (cryptorchidism)?

WHAT IS UNDESCENDED TESTICLE (CRYPTORCHIDISM)?

The testicles are located in the abdomen in the womb, and close to birth, they enter the inguinal canal from the abdomen and pass through the external mouth of the inguinal canal, completing their descent into the bags. In some children, the descent of the testicles into the bags is not completed before birth and the testicle remains above in the abdomen or in the inguinal canal. (Figure 1) This condition can sometimes be seen in both testicles and sometimes in only one testicle.

How common is undescended testicle?

Although it is more common in children born prematurely, it can be seen in 1 to 5 in 100 of children born at normal term.

When should undescended testicle be treated?

In children born with undescended testicles, the testicle may spontaneously descend into the bag within 6 months. For this reason, the child is followed for the first 6 months. At the end of 6 months, if the scrotum has not descended into the scrotum, treatment is required.

What are the problems that may occur if undescended testicles are not treated?

In untreated children, the risk of infertility and testicular cancer increases in the future.

Can these risks be completely eliminated with undescended testicle treatment?

Testicles that are lowered in the first 6 months are much more likely to reach normal testicular sizes after surgery than those that are operated on later.

How is undescended testicle treated?

Undescended testicle treatment is done with medication or surgery. In drug treatment, male hormone (testosterone) is given to activate the testicle on its descent and complete its descent into the scrotum; However, this hormonal treatment is not recommended as it may cause some disorders in the functioning of the testicle in the future. The second and more successful treatment method is to lower the testicle into the scrotum surgically. During surgery, the testicle that has not completed its descent is located on its descent path, separated from the surrounding tissues and placed into the bag. Surgery success rate is over 90 out of 100.