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Is the scrotal testis normal in unilateral cryptorchidism?
British Journal of Urology
|April 1, 1985
Summary
Unilateral cryptorchidism in children shows normal fertility index in descended testes but reduced index in undescended testes. Early orchiopexy before age three offers no significant benefit for germ cell activity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Cryptorchidism, or undescended testes, affects male fertility.
- Assessing testicular function in children with unilateral cryptorchidism is crucial for understanding long-term reproductive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the tubular fertility index (TFI) in descended and undescended testes of children with unilateral cryptorchidism.
- To evaluate the impact of age on germ cell activity in cryptorchid testes.
- To determine the optimal timing for orchiopexy.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral testicular biopsies were performed on 66 children undergoing orchiopexy for unilateral cryptorchidism.
- The tubular fertility index (TFI) was calculated for both testes.
- Results were compared with historical control data across various age groups.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in germ cell activity (TFI) was found between the scrotal testis and controls.
- The undescended testis showed a significantly lower mean TFI compared to controls at all ages.
- No progressive loss of germ cell activity was observed during childhood in either the descended or undescended testes.
Conclusions:
- The descended testis in unilateral cryptorchidism functions similarly to control testes.
- Undescended testes have impaired germ cell activity, regardless of age.
- Very early orchiopexy (before age three) does not appear to improve germ cell activity and may not be beneficial.
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