Cryptorchidism: experience and reason

To characterize our contemporary clinical experience with cryptorchidism.

The records of boys referred for cryptorchidism were reviewed from 2001 to 2011. Data regarding the incidence of retractile testes, testicular ascent, surgical approach and outcomes were tabulated. Follow up was both early (< 12 weeks) and late (> 12 weeks).

A total of 1885 patients, or 2593 testes, were identified. Eight hundred and forty-one children (45%) or 1204 testes (46%) were retractile on initial exam-57% bilateral; 187 testes (7%) later 'ascended' on re-examination and underwent surgery--15% bilateral; 1340 (85%) testes were palpable in the inguinal canal and underwent inguinal orchidopexy--98% were successful; 69 (4%) of initially palpable testes were found to be atrophic and removed; 167 (11%) testes were non-palpable and underwent laparoscopy-46 were atrophic and removed; 31 were vanishing; 33 were brought down using an inguinal approach at the same sitting with 97% success; 47 underwent staged Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy (FSO) and 10 underwent non-staged FSO, with 82% and 78% success respectively. All second stages were performed open.

Almost half of children referred for cryptorchidism had retractile testes. Surgery for later ascent was required in 16% of testes judged to be retractile at a median age of 8 years, emphasizing the need for repeat examination. High success rates with inguinal orchidopexy were achieved, even in non-palpable testes. Testes requiring FSO were uncommonly encountered-approximately 5 testes/year or 4% of testes undergoing surgery-and success was achieved in approximately 80%.