The undescended testis in children and adolescents part 2: evaluation and therapeutic approach

Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Jun;38(6):789-799. doi: 10.1007/s00383-022-05111-4. Epub 2022 Mar 21.

Abstract

Undescended testis (UDT) is defined as failure of a testis to descend into the scrotum and it is a common reason for consultation in pediatric urology. As extensively discussed in "The undescended testis in children and adolescents: part 1", the failure of a testis to descend alters testicular germ-cells development, increasing the risk of infertility and testicular cancer in adulthood. Here, we present the second part of our review and analysis of this topic with the aim to propose an updated and well-informed approach to UDT together with a treatment flow chart that may be useful to guide pediatric surgeons and urologists in the care of these patients. The main goal of the management of patients with UDT is to diminish the risk of infertility and tumor development and is based on the clinical findings at the time of diagnosis.

Keywords: Cryptorchidism; Fowler-Stephens procedure; Impalpable testis; Intra-abdominal testis; Laparoscopy; Orchidopexy; Undescended testis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Cryptorchidism* / diagnosis
  • Cryptorchidism* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infertility* / surgery
  • Male
  • Orchiopexy
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Testis / surgery