Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is a developmental anomaly in which one or both testicles are not pubescent into the scrotum. More often, testicular retention is observed in the inguinal canal, less often in the abdominal cavity. Sometimes ectopia (change in position) of the testicle occurs when it is located under the skin of the thigh, perineum, or pubic area. The abnormal position leads to gradual atrophy of testicular tissue, a sharp disruption of spermatogenesis (the formation and maturation of sperm) and ultimately to infertility.

Due to the retention of both testicles in the abdominal cavity, their normal function is disrupted, which is manifested by a lag in general development, underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics, the occurrence of obesity and eunuchoidism. An undescended testicle is predisposed to the development of malignant tumors.

Typically, the reason to see a doctor is the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum. Sometimes there is aching pain in the groin area. In some cases, spontaneous testicular descent is possible during the first 6 years of life. In childhood, conservative treatment is carried out, consisting of hormone therapy and vitamin therapy. If treatment is ineffective, surgery is indicated, and the sooner it is undertaken, the better the results.

From the moment cryptorchidism is detected, patients should be monitored by a pediatric surgeon and endocrinologist. An anomaly in the location of one or both testicles that do not reach the scrotum. There are two groups of anomalies: delayed testicular descent, in which the testicle in the prenatal period is delayed at some stage of its journey from the lower pole of the primary kidney to the bottom of the scrotum; and ectopia of the testicle, in which it deviates from the normal path of descent and is located under the skin of the pubis, thigh, perineum, penis or pelvis.

Normally, the testicle is fully formed in the IV month of intrauterine development, in the V month it reaches the internal opening of the inguinal canal, and in the VII-VIII month - the root of the scrotum. At birth, in 95% of cases it occupies a normal position; a month later, a normal position of the testicle is observed in 99% of children. In V3 cases, cryptorchidism is false: the mobile testicle is easily displaced into the inguinal canal; during examination, it can be freely lowered into the scrotum. The more common occurrence of testicular retention is of practical importance.

It comes in two types: abdominal and inguinal. Symptoms, course. There is no testicle in the scrotum. If one testicle is identified in the scrotum, the second is usually located at the external opening of the inguinal canal or at the root of the scrotum; it is usually atrophied. A decrease in spermatogenesis is often detected. In 25% of cases, an inguinal hernia is determined. During surgery, an unobliterated processus vaginalis of the peritoneum is found in 95% of patients.

The risk of malignancy in an undescended testicle is 14 times higher than in a descended testicle and is 3.6%. When both testicles are retained in the abdominal cavity, phenomena of testicular insufficiency develop, expressed in a delay in general physical development, underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics, phenomena of eunuchoidism or obesity.

Treatment. The use of surgical methods and hormonal drugs. In many boys born with inguinal or abdominal retention of the testicles, within 6 years of life they descend into the scrotum spontaneously. Treatment should begin at 6 years of age. Prescribe 500-1000 units of human chorionic gonadotropin 2 times a week, from 10 to 14 years old - 1500 units 2 times a week, and after puberty - 1500 units 3 times a week for 2-3 months.

The effectiveness of such treatment does not exceed 20%. If there is no effect, an operation is performed - lowering the testicle into the scrotum (orchiopexy) with its fixation and hernioplasty. If it is impossible to perform this operation, the testicles should be removed, and the patient should undergo long-acting androgen replacement therapy or undergo a testicular transplant (allotransplantation on arteriovenous connections).

Cryptorchidism: causes, symptoms and treatment

Cryptorchidism is one of the common diseases of the male reproductive system. It is characterized by the absence of descent of one or both testicles into the scrotum in newborn boys or in children under 1 year of age. Cryptorchidism can lead to various complications such as infertility and the risk of developing testicular tumors. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment of cryptorchidism.

Causes of cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism can be caused by various reasons, including genetic factors, gonadal disorders, hormonal disorders and other factors. Most boys' testicles descend into the scrotum at birth or during the first months of life. However, in some boys, the testicles do not descend into the scrotum and remain in the abdominal cavity or in the inguinal canal.

Symptoms of cryptorchidism

The main symptom of cryptorchidism is the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum. In some cases, the testicle may be palpable in the inguinal canal or in the abdominal cavity. Cryptorchidism can be unilateral or bilateral.

Complications of cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism can lead to various complications. Failure of the testicle to enter the scrotum can result in damage to the testicle and poor circulation. This can lead to the development of inflammatory processes and the risk of developing testicular tumors. In addition, cryptorchidism may increase the risk of infertility.

Treatment of cryptorchidism

Treatment for cryptorchidism may include conservative methods such as hormonal stimulation and testicular massage, as well as surgical methods. Surgery may be necessary if the testicle has not descended into the scrotum by the time the child is 1 year of age. Surgical treatment involves surgery to lower the testicle into the scrotum.

In conclusion, cryptorchidism is a common disorder of the male reproductive system that can lead to various complications such as infertility and the risk of developing testicular tumors. Early detection and treatment of cryptorchidism can help prevent these complications and preserve male reproductive function. If you suspect cryptorchidism, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Cryptorchia is a congenital human pathology, accompanied by failure of the testicle to descend into the scrotum before or after the birth of a child. Depending on the level of exit of the testicle into the inguinal canal, the disease may be incomplete or complete. Idiopathic development of cryptorchia usually occurs in premature infants. According to experts