Management of undescended testes (our experience in 60 cases)

Abstract

Background: Undescended testis is the most common disorder that affects genitalia of the infants and boys. It has serious complications if left untreated at the proper time. The aim of treatment is to replace the testis to its normal scrotal position where normal testicular development and spermatogenesis occurs. Patients and methods: A total of 60 patients with undescended testes were enrolled in this prospective study that extended over three years. Ages with the mode of presentations, methods of identification (physical examination vs. ultrasound study), types of surgery and the results of histopathology were all reported. Results: Only 10 patients (16.6%) presented within the recommended time of surgery (< 2 years). Regarding the mode of presentations: for 26/60 patients (43.3%) the pathology was detected by their parents, 6/60 (10%) were detected by the patients themselves and the remaining 28/60 (46.6%) presented with complications. Identification and localization of the undescended testes were made clinically in 55/60 patients, whereas only in 41/60 patients were the undescended testes detected by ultrasound examination. Overall, 48/60 patients (80%) were treated by orchiopexy and 9/60 patients were treated by orchiectomy. The histopathology of the excised testes revealed permanent testicular damage in all the specimens. Conclusions: There is a lack of enough public awareness about this problem and its complication in our society. Orchiopexy at the proper time effectively prevents testicular damage, whereas orchiectomy is reserved for neglected damaged testes to avoid serious complication..