Overview
More commonly referred to as an undescended testicle, cryptorchidism can be a serious medical condition. It is characterized by a testicle that has not moved into the scrotum before birth.
The condition is not very common. It occurs most frequently in prematurely born male babies. Typically, cryptorchidism only affects one testicle. However, both testicles are undescended in about 10 percent of cases.
Fortunately, most cases of cryptorchidism resolve on their own. During a child’s first few months of life, the testicle will descend into the scrotum without any medical intervention.
If your son has cryptorchidism, medical professionals can correct the problem with a surgical procedure. Generally, physicians give the testicle ample time to drop on its own so that they do not subject the child to an unnecessary surgery.
However, if your child experiences complications, then medical staff may need to move forward with surgical intervention sooner.
Diagnosis
If the doctor cannot locate both of your son’s testicles in the scrotum, then they may recommend additional testing. This testing will determine if they are undescended or missing entirely. Certain medical conditions that result in the absence of testicles can lead to serious medical complications if left untreated.
Imaging tests are generally ineffective at diagnosing cryptorchidism. Instead, physicians often recommend surgical procedures to diagnose and treat the condition. The preferred method is a procedure known as laparoscopy.
Laparoscopy
During a laparoscopy, the physician will make a small incision in your child’s abdomen. They will then insert a tiny camera into the incision. This procedure is necessary to locate an intra-abdominal testicle.
Sometimes, the physician can fix the undescended testicle during the same procedure. However, more invasive procedures are necessary in some cases.
Treatment
Undescended testicles are typically treated through surgical intervention. While some testicles will descend on their own, it is vital that treatment does not get delayed for too long. Surgical intervention before your child turns one may lower the risk of future complications, such as infertility. At the latest, your child should undergo corrective surgery before 18 months of age.
Surgery
During surgery, the physician will carefully relocate the testicle into the scrotum. They will stitch it into place so that it does not ascend again. This specific procedure is known as an orchiopexy.
Orchiopexies can be completed laparoscopically in most cases. However, some children require open surgery. Undescended testicles may also involve an inguinal hernia. If so, both conditions can be resolved during a single surgical procedure.
After the surgery, your child’s physician will monitor the testicle to ensure normal development and function. This may include ultrasounds, tests of hormone levels, and physical exams.