Cryptorchidism

Question 1

What is cryptochordism?

Answer 1

Undescended testes:

Normal descent should be is by 3m of age but can take up to 6 months

Question 2

Risk factor for cryptorchidism?

Answer 2

Prematurity

Question 3

Unilateral cryptorchidism vs bilateral cause?

Answer 3

Unilateral: idopathic, can happen often resolves spontaneouly by 3 months

Bilateral: Pituitary/endo issue as descent relies on testosterone

Question 4

What are retractile testes?

Answer 4

‘Retractile’ (i.e. testes have descended but come in and out of scrotal sac)

§ Detect at 3m and advise annual follow-up throughout childhood

Question 5

How to manage cryptochordism surgically if does not resolve spontaneously?

Answer 5

orchidopexy (palpable testes = inguinal approach; non-palpable = laparoscopy)

Question 6

How to manage cryptochordism medically if it is bilateral?

Answer 6

±b-hCG (analogue to LH and FSH and thus, stimulates testosterone release to stimulate descent)