Diagnosis and treatment of the intra-abdominal gonad in the pediatric population: Testes, ovaries, dysgenetic gonads, streaks, and ovotestes

Abstract

Background/purpose: Pediatric surgical specialists are often confronted with the difficult task of identifying, diagnosing and managing intra-abdominal gonads in children. Ranging from the intra-abdominal cryptorchid testis to normal or pathologic ovaries and gonads in disorders of sexual development, all intra-abdominal gonads in the pediatric population pose different diagnosis and management challenges. Understanding the hormonal and fertility potential of the gonad and knowing its potential cancer risk is essential when deciding how to manage these patients. In addition, the ideal surgical management for each one of these patients is often debated.

Methods: Descriptive literature review.

Results/conclusion: Herein, we reviewed gonadal formation, common etiologies, diagnosis and management of intra-abdominal testes, pathologic ovaries and gonads in disorders of sexual development. Fertility potential and cancer risk for each were also reviewed and how both affect surgical management of the gonad.

Type of study/level of evidence: Review Article, Level V.

Keywords: Dysgenetic; Gonad; Intra-abdominal; Ovary; Streak; Testicle.