Diagnosis and Management of Cryptorchidism

Among males born at full term or prematurely, 1–30% are affected by cryptorchidism. Approximately 70% of cryptorchid testes will spontaneously descend by 3 mo.The cause of cryptorchidism is multifactorial. A prerequisite for testicular descent is a normal hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In addition, an undisturbed interaction with the anatomic structures is required, as well as the appropriate hormonal milieu and environmental conditions. Hereditary factors also play a major role.The Kaplan classification distinguishes between palpable testes (80%) and nonpalpable testes (20%). The nonpalpable group includes intra-abdominal, inguinal, and absent (vanishing) testes, whereas palpable testes can be between the internal and external inguinal ring, high scrotal, or in a superficial pouch between the oblique and the Scarpa fascia in the so-called Denis Browne pouch.Therapy for undescended testis (UDT) is usually carried out when a child is between 6 and 12 mo; individuals with high UDT especially benefit from an early orchidopexy. The lower the pretreatment position, the more chance there is of spontaneous descent as well as better results of surgical intervention.Although the management of a palpable testis is standardized, there are no guidelines for the management of boys with a nonpalpable testis. It seems that both preoperative and postoperative hormonal treatment may have a beneficial effect on fertility later in life. Because of the increased risk of testicular malignancy, lifelong follow-up is mandatory.