Urology - Undescended Testes Flashcards
How do the testes migrate to their final position?
Migrates through inguinal canal via the gubernaculum to the scrotum
Normally reached scrotum prior to birth
How many boys have undescended testes at birth?
~5%
Can also be referred to as cryptorchidism
What are the risks of undescended testes in older children?
High risk of testicular torsion
Infertility
Testicular cancer
What are the risk factors for undescended testes?
- Family history
- Low birth weight
- Small for gestational age
- Prematurity
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy
How are undescended testes managed?
Watching and waiting
Most cases descended in first 3-6 months
If not descended by 6 months referral to paediatric urology
Orchidopexy - between 6 and 12 months
What are retractile testicles?
Normal for boys that have not reached puberty
Testes to move out of the scrotum and into the inguinal canal when it is cold or cremasteric reflex activated
When do retractile testicles resolve?
As boys go through puberty the testes settle in the scrotum
They can fully retract or fail to descend which needs orchidopexy
