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Triorchidism at orchidopexy: a case report
Sharan Athwal1, Jignesh Tailor, Kokila Lakhoo
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK. sharan.athwal@gmail.com
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|July 29, 2008
Summary
Polyorchidism, the presence of more than two testes, requires careful management. Removal of an atrophic, ectopic supernumerary testis is recommended due to malignancy risk, while viable testes may be preserved with long-term follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Polyorchidism is a rare congenital condition characterized by the presence of more than two testes.
- Management strategies for polyorchidism, especially when discovered incidentally during surgery, remain a subject of debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the management of triorchidism, a specific form of polyorchidism.
- To evaluate the surgical approach for an incidentally discovered supernumerary testis.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of a case involving an 8-year-old boy with incidentally discovered triorchidism during an elective orchidopexy.
- Surgical removal of a supernumerary, ectopic, and atrophic testis.
Main Results:
- The supernumerary testis was ectopic and atrophic, posing a potential risk for malignancy.
- The decision was made to remove the atrophic testis to mitigate cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- The risk of malignancy in an atrophic and ectopic testis associated with triorchidism supports its removal.
- Preservation of a viable, intrascrotal supernumerary testis may be a safe option if long-term patient follow-up is ensured.