Clinical characteristics and treatment of cryptorchidism in adults: a single center experience
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2026
Clinical Application of 24 G Cannula Needle and 3-0 Polypropylene Suture in Vas Deferens Exploration
Published on: February 10, 2023
Seung Chan Jeong1, Seungsoo Lee1, Ja Yoon Ku2
1Department of Urology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.
Purpose:
We evaluated the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of adult cryptorchidism, which have been difficult to establish, given the small number of patients presenting to outpatient clinics.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective study of 20 adult patients with cryptorchid testis was performed. We analyzed their palpation of testis, location, surgical method, marital status, number of children, histologic findings, and semen analysis.
Results:
In 17 cases with unilateral cryptorchidism, the mean age at surgery was 31.1±12.5 years. Fourteen patients had a palpable, small cryptorchid testis. The location of the testis, as verified, was inguinal in 14, prepubic in 2, and intra-abdominal in 1, respectively. We performed orchiopexy in 14 out of 15 patients who sought to have this procedure. Four among 6 married patients had children. Testis biopsy was performed in 12 patients, and all showed abnormal histologic findings. Three among 4 patients, performed semen analysis, showed abnormal findings. In three cases of bilateral cryptorchidism, the mean age at surgery was 35.7±12.5 years. All of these patients had palpated cryptorchid testes in the inguinal area and sought to have a bilateral orchiopexy. Two patients have been married but had no children. All showed abnormal findings in both testis biopsy and semen analysis. No testicular neoplasm was detected during the duration of follow-up.
Conclusions:
Most adult patients with cryptorchidism preferred orchiopexy to orchiectomy. However, most of patients showed abnormal histology of the testis and semen analysis. Therefore, orchiopexy with regular scrotal examination may be considered a suitable treatment options for adult cryptorchidism.
Insights
Adult cryptorchidism treatment in 20 patients showed most preferred orchiopexy. Despite abnormal histology and semen analysis, orchiopexy with regular scrotal exams is a viable option for adult undescended testes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Adult cryptorchidism is rare, making clinical and therapeutic characterization challenging.
- Undescended testes in adults require specific management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of adult cryptorchidism.
- To analyze outcomes of surgical intervention for adult cryptorchid testes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 20 adult patients with cryptorchid testes.
- Analysis included palpation, location, surgical method, fertility, histology, and semen analysis.
Main Results:
- Most adult cryptorchid testes were palpable and located inguinally.
- Orchiopexy was the preferred surgical method; all biopsies showed abnormal histology.
- Fertility rates were low, with abnormal semen analysis in most patients.
Conclusions:
- Adult patients with cryptorchidism often prefer orchiopexy over orchiectomy.
- Orchiopexy combined with regular scrotal examination is a suitable treatment for adult cryptorchidism.
- Despite abnormal findings, surgical correction offers a management pathway.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
01:20Disorders 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...