Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Combined Supine and Standing Imaging for Varicocele: An Improved Diagnostic Approach
Published on: November 22, 2024
Testicular catch up growth: the impact of orchiopexy age
Sun-Ouck Kim1, Eu Chang Hwang, In Sang Hwang
1Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Objective:
To compare the long-term follow-up growth of congenital, unilaterally palpable, undescended testes after orchiopexy according to age at the time of surgery. The optimal age for surgical treatment remains controversial.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 86 patients (108 testes) between the ages of 1 and 9 years underwent orchiopexy. Patients were divided according to age at the time of surgery: group I, <2 years (n = 43); group II, 2 ≤ age < 5 years (n = 35); and group III, ≥5 years (n = 30). The boys were then followed for more than 2 years after surgery. Ultrasonography was used for determination of testicular volume. Testicular volume percentage was compared by the equation of (operated testis volume/normal testis volume × 100%).
Results:
Testicular location was the inguinal canal in 92 (85.2%) and lower to the external inguinal ring in 16 (14.8%). Only group I, which received orchiopexy within two years from birth, showed significant recovery of testicular volume at follow-up (P <.05), compared with groups II and III.
Conclusions:
Orchiopexy performed at less than 2 years from birth was a significant factor for recovery of delayed cryptorchid testicular growth. This result suggests that early orchiopexy improves subsequent testicular catch-up growth.
Related Concept Videos
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Oogenesis
Signs of Puberty
Infertility in Males
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Spermatogenesis