Undescended Testes

Question 1

Define undescended testes

Answer 1

Testes develop in abdomen and gradually migrate down through inguinal canal into scrotum

If they have not reached scrotum by birth, they are “undescended”

Question 2

Management of unilateral undescended testes

Answer 2

Consider referral from around 3 months

Baby should ideally see a urological surgeon before 6 months

Orchidopexy: majority performed at around 1 year of age

Question 3

Management of bilateral undescended testes

Answer 3

Should be reviewed by a senior paediatrician within 24hours as the child may need urgent endocrine or genetic investigation

Question 4

Prognosis of undescended testes

Answer 4

By first year of life 2/3 will have spontaneously resolved

Question 5

Complications of undescended testes

Answer 5

Infertility

Torsion

Testicular cancer (tumours diagnosed late as difficult to identify lump in inguinal region)

Psychological