Undescended testis in paediatric patients at Muhimbili Medical Centre, Dar es Salaam

A retrospective study of 40 patients with 47 undescended testis (UDT) who were managed at the Paediatric Surgical Unit (PSU) of Muhimbili Medical Centre (MMC), Dar es Salaam between April 1986 to April 1993 was done. Their ages varied from 4 months to 13 years. 12.5% of patients presented in infancy while 50% presented by the 5th year of life. The presenting symptom in 75% was either an empty scrotum or impalpable testis while in 17.5% of patients it was due to an inguinal hernia; in 5% it was due to inguinal mass while in 2.5% it was due to testicular torsion. The right side was involved in 52.5%; left side in 30% while 17.5% were bilateral. Associated hernia was observed in 75% of cases. 42.5% were operated at an age below 5 years while 85% were operated on by the age of 9 years. 76% of the testes were located in the inguinal canal; 14.8% intra-abdominal; 4.% at the superficial inguinal pouch while 4.3% could not be located. 29.8% of the testes were either subjectively smaller than would be expected or were atrophic. Of these testes, more than 50% were in children above 8 years of age. Orchidopexy was attempted in 46 testes while orchiectomy was performed in one case.