Mono cryptorchidism: Its anatomical basis and clinical implications

Abstract Cryptorchidism is the absence of at least one or both the testes in the scrotum. It is also known as undescended testis (UT) and is the most common birth defect involving male genitalia. Descent of testes into scrotal sac is important for males to have functional testes and lead a normal sexual developmental life. Understanding the cryptorchidism is important for clinically assessing the status of the patient and planning the treatment. Present case : An adult male cadaver presented with a herniation through right superficial inguinal ring. On further dissection the right scrotal sac was found without the testis. The right inguinal canal too showed only neurovascular bundle enclosed by a thin membrane. After opening the abdomen, the right testis was found in the right iliac fossa close to deep inguinal ring, which tells that the development has begun but got ceased at a later stage. Conclusion : Proper understanding & knowledge of cryptorchidism is important for clinically assessing and treating the undescended testis.