Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital Congenital Chorioretinitis anomalies in young boys. Typically, this asymptomatic condition presents during a routine well-child examination where 1 or both testicles Testicles The testicles, also known as the testes or the male gonads, are a pair of egg-shaped glands suspended within the scrotum. The testicles have multiple layers: an outer tunica vaginalis, an intermediate tunica albuginea, and an innermost tunica vasculosa. The testicles are composed of testicular lobules and seminiferous tubules. Testicles: Anatomy are not palpable in the scrotum Scrotum A cutaneous pouch of skin containing the testicles and spermatic cords. Testicles: Anatomy. Diagnosis depends on physical exam and ultrasound is performed only when other disorders are suspected. Treatment is dependent on patient age and testis position. In boys with persistent undescended testis by age 6 months, the condition is unlikely to spontaneously resolve. If the testis is palpable but not in the dependent intrascrotal location, an orchiopexy (bringing the testicle to the scrotum Scrotum A cutaneous pouch of skin containing the testicles and spermatic cords. Testicles: Anatomy) is preferred. If the testis is non-palpable, a diagnostic laparoscopy Diagnostic Laparoscopy Laparotomy and Laparoscopy is needed to inspect for an intra-abdominal testis, which requires a staged Fowler-Stephen’s orchiopexy.
Last updated: 2 Feb, 2021
Cryptorchidism is the absence of 1 or both testicles Testicles The testicles, also known as the testes or the male gonads, are a pair of egg-shaped glands suspended within the scrotum. The testicles have multiple layers: an outer tunica vaginalis, an intermediate tunica albuginea, and an innermost tunica vasculosa. The testicles are composed of testicular lobules and seminiferous tubules. Testicles: Anatomy in the scrotum Scrotum A cutaneous pouch of skin containing the testicles and spermatic cords. Testicles: Anatomy. Cryptorchid testis (“hidden testis”) may be undescended or absent (atrophied).
Pathogenesis overall is not well understood but is affected by hormonal and anatomical embryologic factors.
Normal mechanical descent:
Defective mechanisms in the different phases of descent:
Path of descent of the testis
A: normal path the testis follows as it descends into the
scrotum
Scrotum
A cutaneous pouch of skin containing the testicles and spermatic cords.
Testicles: Anatomy
B: possible locations where an undescended testis can be found
Surgical correction of undescended testis
Left:
inguinal region
Inguinal region
Anterior Abdominal Wall: Anatomy dissection
Right: inguinal approach to orchiopexy with testicle exposed in
inguinal canal
Inguinal canal
The tunnel in the lower anterior abdominal wall through which the spermatic cord, in the male; round ligament, in the female; nerves; and vessels pass. Its internal end is at the deep inguinal ring and its external end is at the superficial inguinal ring.
Inguinal Canal: Anatomy and Hernias