The undescended testicle

Abstract

The undescended testicle (UDT), or cryptorchidism, is the most common congenital abnormality seen in male children and occurs following failure or incomplete descent of the testicle(s) into the scrotum from the abdominal cavity. The testicle can lay anywhere within this tract, with its location determining the appropriate surgical procedure to undertake. Males with undescended testes are at increased risk of infertility, testicular cancer (in both testes) and testicular torsion. The indication for orchidopexy is the failure of the testicle to descend into the scrotum by 6 months of age. This article focuses on diagnosis and management of the UDT for GPs, including when patients should be referred for surgical review and intervention.