Related Experiment Videos
The management of retained testis based on our investigations
Insights
Early surgery for retained testis (undescended testicle) in children significantly improves outcomes. Operating before age 3 is crucial for better testicular condition and future fertility.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Andrology
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Retained testis (undescended testicle) affects a significant number of children.
- Delayed surgical intervention can lead to adverse testicular pathology and impact fertility.
- Optimal timing for surgical correction is critical for pediatric urological care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review follow-up examinations of children operated for retained testis.
- To evaluate objective methods for assessing testicular condition post-surgery.
- To analyze the success rates and factors influencing outcomes in retained testis surgery.
Main Methods:
- Review of 300 pediatric patients undergoing surgery for retained testis.
- Assessment of surgical timing, with 42.6% operated by age 3 and 12.3% over 13.
- Utilized histological studies, author-designed orchidometer volumetry, and non-invasive foil thermography for evaluation.
Main Results:
- Follow-up data available for 95% of patients (322 operations).
- Overall success rate of 89% (286 operations).
- Histological and thermographic methods provided objective data on testicular status and blood supply.
Conclusions:
- Early surgical intervention for retained testis, ideally before age 3, is paramount for successful outcomes.
- Improved pediatric urological care and physician awareness are necessary for timely management.
- The study highlights the decisive role of early surgery in preserving testicular function and fertility potential.
Abstract:
The follow-up examinations of 300 children operated for retained testis are reviewed. A total of 128 children (i.e. 42.6% of them) were operated up to the desirable 3 years of age, while 37 children, i.e. 12.3% of the patients, were over 13. The examinations recommended for judging objectively the pathological state, i.e. the condition of the testicles, are surveyed. (i) In operations performed over the age of 3 years, collection of samples for histological study to judge the condition of the testicular substance. (ii) Volumetry of the testis performed by an orchidometer of the authors' design, which provides comparative information for establishing the developmental conditions. (iii). During the diagnostic and control examinations, the simple, rapid, inexpensive and non-invasive foil thermography was found useful which may furnish comparative data on the blood supply and the position and size of the testicles. The results of 322 operations, i.e. 95% of the patients, could be followed up and according to them, 286 operations (i.e. 89%) were revealed to be successful. The operative technique is also described. The role of retained testis in fertility is analysed. It is pointed out to be decisive in further improvement of the results that the children be operated as early as possible but at least up to their age of 3 years! This requires a certain change of attitude and a better organized paediatric urological care from the physicians in this field.