Preoperative localization of undescended testes in children: Comparison of clinical examination and ultrasonography

BackgroundPreoperative localization of the testis aids effective management of undescended testes. Various diagnostic techniques have been applied in the localization of undescended testes with varying results. The aim of this study was to compare clinical assessment and ultrasound evaluation in the preoperative localization of undescended testes in children.MethodsA prospective evaluation of all boys undergoing operation for undescended testes at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, from July 2010 to June 2011 was carried out. The findings on preoperative clinical and ultrasound examinations were compared with intraoperative findings.ResultsForty boys with 52 undescended testes were studied. The median age of the boys at the time of surgery was 4 years (range 1–11 years). Forty-five testes (86.5%) were accurately localized preoperatively by ultrasound while 25 testes (48.1%) were accurately localized on clinical examination. Ultrasound evaluation had an accuracy of 86.5% in preoperative localization of undescended testes. Clinical examination had an accuracy of 48.1% in preoperative localization of undescended testes. Ultrasound was more accurate than physical examination (p < 0.001).ConclusionsUltrasonography is more accurate than clinical examination in the preoperative localization of undescended testes in children and could play a role in preoperative evaluation of patients with undescended testes.