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Undescended Testes

Normally, the testes descend from the abdominal wall, through the inguinal canal and into the scrotum. Cryptorchidism (undescended testes) is where this process doesn't occur.

“Different forms of cryptorchidism” © Lamiot CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)

Risk factors - Family hx, Low birth weight, Small for gestational age, Prematurity, Maternal smoking


If left untreated, there's an increased risk of Testicular torsion, cancer, and infertility later in life.


Management

  • Bilateral - Refer urgently to be seen within 2 weeks

  • Unilateral - Watch and wait as most will descend in the first 3-6 months.

    • The patient should be reviewed at 6-8 weeks – If still undescended, review again at 3 months. Refer to an orchidopexy to be done if still no improvement.




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