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Polyorchidism: a meta-analysis

Robert Bergholz1, Katharina Wenke

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, UKE Medical School, Hamburg University, Altona Children's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany. robert@bergholz-berlin.de

The Journal of Urology
|September 22, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polyorchidism, a rare congenital condition, is often discovered incidentally during evaluations for other issues. Cryptorchidism (undescended testes) is a significant risk factor for malignancy in patients with supernumerary testes.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Congenital Anomalies
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Polyorchidism, characterized by the presence of supernumerary testes, is an uncommon congenital anomaly.
  • Existing literature presents contradictory data regarding its clinical presentation, comorbidities, and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically analyze the existing literature on polyorchidism.
  • To clarify the appearance, comorbidities, and complications associated with supernumerary testes.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive database search was conducted to identify relevant studies.
  • Inclusion criteria required polyorchidism cases to be confirmed by histological examination.
  • Data extraction focused on the presentation, comorbidities, and complications of supernumerary testes.

Main Results:

  • 140 cases of polyorchidism were identified, with triorchidism being the most common type.
  • Supernumerary testes were predominantly found on the left side (64.5%) and often associated with inguinal hernia, undescended testicle, testicular torsion, or scrotal pain.
  • Neoplasms occurred in 6.4% of cases, with 88% of these malignancies arising in cryptorchid supernumerary testes.

Conclusions:

  • Polyorchidism is a rare condition typically diagnosed during investigations for other urological issues.
  • Cryptorchidism is identified as the primary risk factor for malignancy in supernumerary testes, necessitating careful management and counseling.
  • The frequent presence of a vas deferens suggests potential reproductive function, influencing management decisions regarding surgery, biopsy, or orchiectomy.

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