Cryptorchidism: pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis

Urol Clin North Am. 2010 May;37(2):183-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2010.03.002.

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is a common genital anomaly diagnosed at birth or during childhood. Genetic and/or environmental factors that alter expression or function of hormones crucial for testicular descent, insulin-like 3, and testosterone, may contribute to cryptorchidism. When identified at birth, surgical treatment is indicated by 6 months of age if testes fail to descend, or at the time of diagnosis in older children. A laparoscopic approach is preferred for abdominal testes. Early surgical therapy may reduce the risk of subfertility and/or malignancy.

MeSH terms

  • Cryptorchidism* / diagnosis
  • Cryptorchidism* / etiology
  • Cryptorchidism* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male