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Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism)
When a baby boy is developing inside his mother’s womb his testicles normally move from their original position in the abdomen into the scrotum during the eighth month of pregnancy.
Undescended testes occur when one or both of the testicles do not reach the scrotum and remain inside the abdomen or groin. The condition occurs in two to three percent of newborns.
In approximately 50% of cases a testicle that is undescended at birth will naturally correct itself by the age of three months. If a testicle is still undescended after three months of age, a doctor should be consulted.
Leaving an undescended testicle uncorrected can contribute to infertility and increases the risk of testicular cancer in later life.
Diagnosis
The doctor will carefully examine the scrotum and groin area. The doctor may be able to locate the undescended testicle by feeling the groin area. If the testicle is not able to be felt, further diagnostic tests may be recommended.
Tests which may be used include ultrasound scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or laparoscopy (inserting a telescope-like instrument into the abdomen to survey the anatomy). Blood tests to check hormone levels may also be performed.
Treatment
Surgery is the treatment of choice for undescended testes and is usually performed within the first year after birth. The testicle is returned to its normal position during an operation called an orchidopexy. This operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually involves an overnight stay in hospital.
During the procedure a small incision is made in the groin and another is made in the scrotum. The testicle is located, moved to the required position in the scrotum and attached so that it does not retract. The incisions are closed with small dissolvable stitches.
Recovery
After the operation the child will be given medication (such as paracetamol) for pain relief. The child will recover in the ward and most children are able to go home once they are eating and drinking.
The doctor will recommend recovery and activity guidelines for the child and will advise how to care for the child’s wounds. Many children will be playing and active the day after the operation.
References
Anderson, K. N., Anderson, L. E. & Glanze, W. D. (Eds.) (2006) Mosby’s Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary. (6th ed.) St. Louis: The C.V. Mosby Company
Newborn Services Clinical Guidelines (2006) Inguinal, Scrotal and Genital Problems in Neonates. Auckland District Health Board, Auckland
Polsdorfer, J. R. (2006) Undescended testes. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Third Edition. Jacqueline L. Longe, Editor. Farmington Hills, MI. Thomson Gale.
Last Reviewed – 29/10/07