[The surgical realization of optimal timing for undescended testicle]

An account is given in this paper of surgical indications to cope with cryptorchism. Views on timing of surgical action have undergone considerable change over the past 35 years, ranging from prepuberty to the second year of age, the latter date being considered optimal now. Optimal timing is not kept in practice, as may be seen from a regional longitudinal study over 25 years as well as from a representative inquiry among 17 centres of paediatric surgery across the GDR over the same period of time and from a cross-section analysis of all boys operated on for cryptorchism throughout the GDR in 1986. All medical doctors serving at infant welfare centres and day nurseries are invited to refer affected boys to surgeons at an earlier date. The existing health system for children and adolescents is considered to provide good conditions for lowering the average age at surgery.