Management of Bilateral Undescended Bilobed Testes and Review of the Literature

Embryological basis of polyorchidism including classification, reproductive potential, and risk of malignancy: A review

Polyorchidism, a congenital malformation characterized by supernumerary testes (SNTs), is usually revealed incidentally during ultrasound or open scrotal surgery. In the approximately 200 cases so far published in the literature, the left side is affected more often than the right. Despite the rarity of this anomaly, a surgeon must have basic knowledge of its embryological basis and classifications to implement proper treatment and avoid overlooking it, since the consequences could harm the patient. This review summarizes previous classifications. It can be assumed that determining the risk of malignancy, and the level of reproductive potential based on location, vascularization, ductus deferens drainage, and environmental factors (e.g., temperature) affecting the SNTs, indicates the best approach to management. Therefore, we have created a new classification based on previous ones, addressing the aforementioned issues, which will guide the clinician to select the most appropriate treatment.

Polyorchidism: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review

Polyorchidism is a rare male urogenital tract anomaly characterized by at least one supernumerary testis in the scrotum or ectopically. According to data based on our systematic review, 76% of the supernumerary testes (SNTs) were located in the scrotum, and 24% were extra-scrotal (p < 0.001). Among testes located outside the scrotum, 87% were found in the inguinal canal and 13% in the abdominal cavity. In 80% of cases, the diagnosis of SNT was made based on imaging tests, and the remaining 20% of cases were detected incidentally during surgery. The imaging tests performed (US or MRI) resulted in a significantly higher rate of patients who qualified for observation vs. surgical treatment (45% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). The most common conditions associated with SNT were ipsilateral inguinal hernia (15% of cases) and cryptorchidism (15% of cases). Surgery (orchidopexy/orchidectomy) was performed on 54% of patients with SNT, and the decision to observe the SNT was made in a total of 46% of patients (p = 0.001). The therapeutic approach depends on the location of the SNT and the presence of factors that raise suspicion of neoplastic proliferation.

Case Report: Testicular Torsion in Unilateral Supernumerary Testis

Supernumerary testis (SNT), or polyorchidism, is a rare congenital anomaly of the genitourinary tract, described as the presence of more than two testicles. Testicular torsion (TT) in unilateral SNT is extremely rare. We report a case of unilateral SNT in a 16-year-old boy accompanied by TT, which was diagnosed preoperatively based on the outcomes of physical examination and ultrasound and confirmed intraoperatively. We opted for orchiectomy of this SNT because of the long-time hypoperfusion. And as for the normal testis, orchidopexy was performed. His clinical presentation subsided after surgery, and the patient was discharged 3 days later.

The Sonographic Appearance of Polyorchidism: A Multiple Case Report

The traditional sonographic characteristic used to distinguish polyorchidism (PO) has been its homogeneous echotexture, which is similar or identical to the normal testicle. PO is most commonly found in the left hemi-scrotum but can also be identified in the right hemi-scrotum, inguinal canal, or abdominal cavity. The mediastinum of a testicle represents where the tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea that encases a testicle folded back in on itself. The identification of a mediastinum in a scrotal lesion implies that testicular tissue is present. This series review presents three cases where PO was identified in the left hemi-scrotum. In addition to the classic homogeneous echotexture that is typically identified in an accessory testicle, a mediastinum was also appreciated in two of the cases, which helped to solidify the diagnosis of polyorchidism.