Cryptorchidism

Male infant with h/o prematurity presents with congenital undescended testical on exam. One palpable testicle present.

• Parents counseled that testicles generally descend spontaneously by 4 months of age

• Testicle is undescended by 6 months of age:

  • Refer child to pediatric urologist for surgical evaluation

  • Parents counseled that testicular atrophy and increased risk for testicular cancer may persist despite surgery

Notes

• Spontaneous descend after 6 months of age is rare

• Surgical fixation

  • Reduces risk for testicular torsion

  • Reduces, but does not eliminate, risk for testicular cancer

  • Helps preserve fertility if performed before 1 year of age