Pediatric Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism - UDT)

How are Pediatric Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism - UDT) diagnosed?

Physical exam

An undescended testicle (UDT) is usually detected by the parents or your pediatrician as an empty scrotum on exam. Your child's provider will likely attempt to determine whether they can feel the testicle in the groin canal. If not, it is possible that the testicle is still in the abdomen.   

Imaging

An ultrasound may be helpful in finding the testicle that cannot be felt.

How are Pediatric Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism - UDT) treated?

Surgery

Surgery is required to bring the testicle to its normal location in the scrotum for three reasons. 

• First, if that the testis in the abdomen it is subject to a higher body temperature which results in decreased sperm production. 
• Secondly, if the testis in the groin it is more susceptible to trauma. 
• Lastly, if the testis is in the abdomen it has a 40% higher risk of developing cancer. 

For best results, the surgery should be performed prior to your child turn 1 year of age. Depending on where the testicle is, this may be done with a single surgery through an incision in the groin or may require 2 or 3 operations including an exploration of the abdomen to find the testicle. Eventually, the testicle will be brought down and sutured to the scrotum - a procedure called “orchidopexy.” 

There is a higher chance of developing testicular cancer in patients with a history of an undescended testicle.  Therefore, routine testicular self-exam should begin when the patient transitions through puberty and into adulthood.