Undescended Testicle

Alternate Names : Cryptorchidism

What are the treatments for the condition?

The primary treatment for this condition is surgery. Often, a child is watched until the age of one to see if the testicle will move into the scrotum by itself. If not, affected testicles can be brought down into the scrotum using surgery. Surgery improves cosmetic appearance and makes examination of the testicles to check for cancer easier. Surgery may also improve the chance of future fertility in some cases.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

There is little discomfort after most procedures to repair this condition. The recovery time is usually short. Laparoscopy generally results in a faster recovery, but in young children, fast healing is the rule after any surgery. The primary risk of the procedure is failure. This may mean the testicle cannot be found or is damaged during the surgery. As with all surgeries, there is a chance of bleeding, infection and reactions to the medicine used for pain control.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After a short recovery time, the child can return to normal activities.

How is the condition monitored?

After surgery, periodic physical exam of the testicles is required. Surgery to correct this condition does not reduce the risk of cancer of the testicle.