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Is human chorionic gonadotropin useful for identifying and treating nonpalpable testis?
T P Bukowski1, S Sedberry, B Richardson
1Section of Pediatric Urology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
The Journal of Urology
|December 23, 2000
Summary
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) effectively identifies and treats nonpalpable testes in boys. This hormonal therapy offers a cost-effective alternative to surgical laparoscopy for cryptorchidism management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) affect a significant number of male infants.
- Nonpalpable testes present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Surgical exploration like laparoscopy carries risks and costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in identifying and treating nonpalpable testes.
- To compare the cost-effectiveness of HCG therapy versus laparoscopy for nonpalpable testes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 51 boys (64 testes) undergoing cryptorchidism surgery.
- 19 cases involved nonpalpable or impalpable testes.
- HCG treatment involved intramuscular injections of 2,000 IU/m² three times weekly for three weeks.
Main Results:
- Eight out of ten testes became palpable after HCG treatment.
- One previously impalpable testis was identified as an atrophic nubbin.
- Laparoscopy in untreated patients revealed intra-abdominal, vanished, peeping, and atrophic testes.
Conclusions:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a valuable tool for both diagnosis and treatment of nonpalpable testes.
- HCG therapy facilitates testicular detection, potentially avoiding invasive laparoscopic procedures.
- This hormonal approach offers a cost-effective and less risky alternative for managing impalpable testes.