Congenital anomalies associated with cryptorchidism

We reviewed 334 patients with cryptorchidism treated at our institution during a 13-year period. Other congenital anomalies were apparent on physical examination in 102 cases and these were more common in patients with bilateral cryptorchidism. Of the 205 excretory urograms done 25 showed abnormalities and, again, these abnormalities were noted more commonly in patients with bilateral cryptorchidism. Of 232 patients with asymptomatic cryptorchidism, that is with no other congenital findings on physical examination, 141 had an excretory urogram and 4 revealed some abnormality, 2 of these warranting surgical intervention. Of the 334 patients 16 had hypospadias and 50 were mentally retarded. The literature is reviewed. It is concluded that an excretory urogram is not justified on a routine basis in patients with asymptomatic cryptorchidism.