Acquired undescended (ascended) testis: effects of human chorionic gonadotropin

A total of 7 boys 4 to 10 years old was evaluated for undescended testes. All patients had been seen previously by a pediatric urologist and diagnosed as having a retractile testis. In fact 4 boys had undergone surgical correction of a contralateral undescended testis at an earlier date at which time the testis in question could be manipulated into the scrotum. Another boy was examined under anesthesia and the operation was canceled because the testis could be brought into the scrotum. Subsequently, on followup evaluation 2 to 8 years later the ipsilateral testis could not be manipulated into the scrotum. Of the boys 6 then were treated with a short course of human chorionic gonadotropin. Four patients had a positive response but in 3 the testis was undescended again at examination 6 months later. Of the boys 6 ultimately underwent orchiopexy. Boys with highly retractile testes require periodic examination until puberty to ensure that those testes do not ascend secondarily.