Undescended testis: 513 patients' characteristics, age at orchidopexy and patterns of referral

A closer look to the timing of orchidopexy in undescended testes and adherence to the AWMF-guideline

BACKGROUND

To lower the risk of testicular malignancies and subfertility, international guidelines recommend orchidopexy for undescended testis (UDT) before the age of 12-18 months. Previous studies reported low rates of 5-15% of timely surgery. Most of these studies are based on DRG and OPS code-based data from healthcare system institutions that do not distinguish between congenital and acquired UDT.

METHODS

In a retrospective study data of all boys who underwent orchidopexy in a university hospital and two outpatient surgical departments from 2009 to 2022 were analyzed. The data differentiates congenital from acquired UDT.

RESULTS

Out of 2694 patients, 1843 (68.4%) had congenital and 851 (31.6%) had acquired UDT. In 24.9% of congenital cases surgery was performed before the age of 12 months. The median age at surgery for congenital UDT was 16 months (range 7-202). Over the years there was an increased rate of boys operated on before the age of 2 (40% in 2009, 60% in 2022). The median age fluctuated over the years between 21 and 11 months without a trend to younger ages.. The covid pandemic did not lead to an increase of the median age at surgery. The median time between referral and surgery was 46 days (range 1-1836). Reasons for surgery after 12 months of age were a delayed referral to pediatric surgeries (51.2%), followed by relevant comorbidities (28.2%).

CONCLUSION

Compared to recent literature, out data show that a closer look at details enables a more realistic approach. Still, there is no trend towards the recommended age for surgical treatment observable, but the rate of timely operated boys with congenital UDT is significantly higher than stated in literature.

Elective pediatric surgery: profile description of children and late referral identification

Pediatric surgery receives great demand for referrals from primary care services in order to evaluate the need for surgical intervention. However access to this specialized evaluation and in intervention does not always occur at the appropriate time. This study aims to characterize the profile of pediatric patients electively operated in the western Paraná state region, between 2018 and 2020, and identify those who were lately referred to surgical evaluation. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study through the review of electronic medical records. The variables evaluated were sociodemographic data, information on underlying diseases, referral data, specialist assessment and surgical procedure. During this period, 410 patients underwent an elective surgical procedure, of which 289 were included in the research. The sample was predominantly male (72.3%) with a mean age of 57.9 months at the surgeons assessment and 59 months at the date of surgery. Most of the patients came from primary care (75%) and the most common pathology was inguinal hernia (39.1%). The mean time interval between referral through primary care and surgery was 4.98 months, and between the surgeons assessment and surgery was 1.21 months. Of the total sample, 77 (26.6%) patients were identified as being referred late for the surgical procedure. Knowing the profile of patients and the problems experienced in this region in relation to the care provided in pediatric surgery provides subsidies to propose improvement strategies not only for the health system in this location, but for several inner regions of Brazil in a similar situation.

Mapping of referral patterns for undescended testes - Risk factors for referral of children with normal testes

BACKGROUND

Accurate referral of boys with suspected undescended testes (UDT) is of importance to preserve fertility and reduce risk of future testicular cancer. While late referral is well studied, there is less knowledge about incorrect referrals, hence, referral of boys with normal testes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the proportion of UDT referrals that did not lead to surgery or follow-up, and to assess risk factors for referral of boys with normal testes.

STUDY DESIGN

All UDT referrals to a tertiary center of pediatric surgery during 2019-2020 were retrospectively assessed. Only children with suspected UDT in the referral (not suspected retractile testicles) were included. Primary outcome was normal testes at examination by a pediatric urologist. Independent variables were age, season, region of residence, referring care unit, referrer's educational level, referrer's findings, and ultrasound result. Risk factors for not needing surgery/follow-up were assessed with logistic regression and presented as adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval (aOR, [95% CI]).

RESULTS

A total of 378 out of 740 included boys (51.1%) had normal testes. Patients >4 years (aOR 0,53, 95% CI [0,30-0,94]), referrals from pediatric clinics (aOR 0.27, 95% CI [0.14-0.51]) or surgery clinics (aOR 0.06, 95% CI [0.01-0.38]) had lower risk of normal testes. Boys referred during spring (aOR 1.80, 95% CI [1.06-3.05]), by a non-specialist physician (aOR 1.58, 95% CI [1.01-2.48]) or referrer's description of bilateral UDT (aOR 2.34, 95% CI [1.58-3.45]), or retractile testes (aOR 6.99, 95% CI [3.61-13.55]) had higher risk of not needing surgery/follow-up. None of the referred boys that had normal testes had been re-admitted at the end of this study (October 2022).

DISCUSSION

Over 50% of boys referred for UDT had normal testes. This is higher or equal to previous reports. Efforts to reduce this rate should in our setting probably be directed towards well-child centers and training in examination of testicles. The main limitation of this study is the retrospective design and the rather short follow-up time, which however should have very modest effect on the main findings.

CONCLUSION

Over 50% of boys referred for UDT have normal testes. A national survey regarding the management and examination of boys testicles has been launched and directed at well-child centers to further evaluate the findings of the current study.

The optimum cut-off value of contralateral testis size in the prediction of monorchidism in children with nonpalpable testis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Contralateral Testis Hypertrophy (CTH) is a clinical marker that could be used to guide the choice of the main surgical strategy. In patients with a Non-palpable Testis (NPT), the degree of CTH as measured by testicular length or volume has been shown to be able to predict whether the undescended testis will survive.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to establish the proper cut-off for identifying non-viable testes based on the current literature.

DESIGN

We systematically searched several medical databases as well as Google Scholar search engines for references and citations. All the studies that reported CTH as a result of NPT in prepubertal boys were included. Data from the included articles was gathered by two independent reviewers. The checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies that were included. Due to the incredibly high degree of heterogeneity among the studies, no meta-analysis was done.

RESULTS

The current systematic review included 17 studies that assessed the cut-off point to detect non-viable testis. The size and length of the testes were taken into consideration based on our findings. We found that different studies reported various ideal cut-off values for predicting non-viable testes, which can be brought on by various measuring techniques, evaluation ages, and patient groupings. The difference in testis volume was greater than the difference in its length, which can be attributable to the fact that some studies used an orchidometer to measure the testis's length directly or indirectly.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of our study, it seems that defining a cut point for diagnosis of CTH based on the size of the testis, cannot demonstrate the absence of a non-palpable testis.

Are we still too late? Timing of orchidopexy

An undescended testis is the most common genitourinary disease in boys. The German guidelines, first published in 2009, proposed the timing of orchidopexy to be before 12 months of age. The aim of the study was to analyze the implementation of these guidelines 10 years after publication. The national cumulative statistics of hospital admissions, provided by the Institute for the Remuneration System in Hospitals (InEK), and the statistics concerning procedures performed in private pediatric surgical practices of the professional association of pediatric surgeons (BNKD) regarding the time of surgeries for the year 2019 were analyzed. Data from InEK included all German hospital admissions. Data from BNKD included data from 48 private pediatric surgical practices. The hospitals treated 6476 inpatients with undescended testis, and 3255 patients were operated in private practices. Regarding the age at treatment, 15% of the hospital patients and 5% of the private practice patients were younger than 1 year and fulfilled the guideline recommendations. Forty percent of the hospital patients and 29% of the private practice patients were 1 or 2 years of age. All other patients were 3 years of age or older at the time of orchidopexy.  Conclusions: The rate of orchidopexy within the first 12 months of life is remarkably low even 10 years after the publication of the guidelines. Awareness of the existing guideline must be increased for both referring pediatric and general practitioners. What is Known: • In Germany, orchidopexy is performed by pediatric surgeons and urologists either in hospital settings or in private practices. • Most international guidelines set the age for surgical treatment of undescended testis between 12 and 18 months of age. The German guidelines, published in 2009, sets the time-limit at one year of age. Until five years after publication of the German guidelines, the number of patients treated before the first year of life was low; studies show an orchidopexy ratebetween 8% and 19% during this time. What is New: • This study the first to cover all administered hospital patients in Germany and a large group of patients treated in private practices. It contains the largest group of German patients with undescended testis. • Although almost all children participate in the routine check-up at the age of seven months, which includes investigation for undescended testis, adherence to the orchidopexy guidelines is still low. Only 15% of the hospital patients and 5% of the patients in private practice were treated before their first birthdays.

The role of laparoscopy in non-palpable undescended testicle: Analysis and review of the experience from two cities in Sudan

INTRODUCTION

It is estimated that 1%-2% of male infants have undescended testicles. The reliability of ultrasound (US) to identify the non-palpable undescended testicles (NPUDT) is controversial. Laparoscopy remains the gold standard to diagnose and manage NPUDT.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to highlight the role of laparoscopy in the management of NPUDT in 2 cities from Sudan over the past decade.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients presented to Gadarif Teaching Hospital and Almak Nimir University Hospital with NPUDT were assessed by clinical examination and US. The testis, when found during laparoscopy, was either brought down to the scrotum in a single or two-stage or removed depending on the findings. Data were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Patients covered the age range between 18 months and 65 years. The average was 12.4. The majority, 94 (67.2%) patients were older than 5 years. The main presenting symptom was either bilateral or unilateral empty scrotum. In 12 (8.4%) patients, the main presenting symptom was primary infertility. US was done in 120 (86.6%) of the patients and failed to see the testis in more than half of them. A single-stage procedure in the form of laparoscopic search assisted with orchidopexy was achieved in 90 (62.9%) patients and orchiectomy in 13 (9.1%) patients, while in 12 (8.4%) patients the testis was not found. Other procedures were applied on the 28 (19.6%) patients who needed staged operation in the form of Fowler Stephen's, in bilateral cases, in 6 (4.2%) patients. Shehata's operation in nine patients (64%) and open orchidopexy for 8 (5.6%) patients. The post-operative complication was encountered in 14 (9.8%) of the patients in this group in the form of bleeding, vassal injury and testicular atrophy.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy provides the most accurate interventional option for managing patients with NPUDT. Laparoscopic orchidopexy, whether single stage for low or 2-stages for high intra-abdominal testis, is a proven and effective extension of lap-search with minimal complications.

Management of the undescended testis in children: An American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Evidence Based Practice Committee Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Management of undescended testes (UDT) has evolved over the last decade. While urologic societies in the United States and Europe have established some guidelines for care, management by North American pediatric surgeons remains variable. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the published evidence regarding the treatment of (UDT) in children.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized to identify, review, and report salient articles. Five principal questions were asked regarding imaging standards, medical treatment, surgical technique, timing of operation, and outcomes. A literature search was performed from 2005 to 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 825 articles were identified in the initial search, and 260 were included in the final review.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-operative imaging and hormonal therapy are generally not recommended except in specific circumstances. Testicular growth and potential for fertility improves when orchiopexy is performed before one year of age. For a palpable testis, a single incision approach is preferred over a two-incision orchiopexy. Laparoscopic orchiopexy is associated with a slightly lower testicular atrophy rate but a higher rate of long-term testicular retraction. One and two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy have similar rates of testicular atrophy and retraction. There is a higher relative risk of testicular cancer in UDT which may be lessened by pre-pubertal orchiopexy.

The fat anchor orchiopexy technique: results and outcomes from 150 cases surgical experience

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to evaluate results and outcomes in a long-time follow-up period, by performing a novel testicular fixation procedure, known as "fat anchor orchidopexy" (FAO), for the treatment of palpable low inguinal undescended testis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent scrotal orchiopexy technique, from May 2013 to May 2019, at the Pediatric Surgery Division of Department of Surgical Pathology, University of Pisa (Italy). FAO (Spinelli's technique) consists in anchoring the testicles to sub-scrotal fat with a single trans-scrotal incision. All the patients enrolled had history of unilateral or bilateral undescended testis. Data collected included patient's age, operative times and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 150 children with cryptorchidism were treated using a single trans-scrotal orchiopexy. Of them, 130 patients (86.7%) had unilateral undescended testis and 20 (13.3%) bilateral cryptorchidism. Mean patient's age was 21 months (range: 14-28 months). All the procedures were planned in a day-surgery setting. Trans-scrotal orchiopexy was successful in all cases and no patients required an additional groin incision. No intraoperatively and postoperatively major complications were observed. Patients' post-operative pain was mild (mean pediatric visual analog scale = 2). In all cases, the healing process was rapid and no surgical wounds infections were reported during the post-operative period, referring excellent cosmesis results. During a mean 48-month follow-up period, no testicular retraction, recurrence or testis atrophy was reported.

CONCLUSION

The original Spinelli's technique (FAO) proves to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of palpable or distal-to-external-inguinal-ring testes. No immediate and delayed post-surgery complications were reported. In all cases, the anchored testicle remained in the scrotal position with normal vascularization. This novel surgical technique could give better options for scrotal fixation in case of low-lying cryptorchid testes.

Referral patterns for undescended testis: A 7 year comparative analysis of primary care providers

INTRODUCTION

Cryptorchidism, or undescended testis (UDT), is identified in 1% of boys by one year of age and carries long term risks of infertility and testicular neoplasia. In 2014, the American Urological Association (AUA) released a guideline statement stating that patients with UDT should be referred to a urologist by 6 months of age in order to facilitate timely surgical correction. This study is the follow-up to a 2010 study assessing referral patterns to our university center from primary care providers.

OBJECTIVE

In this new study, we aim to identify changes in referral patterns in response to the establishment of the 2014 AUA guidelines and to understand how our referring physicians stay abreast of current knowledge regarding UDT.

STUDY DESIGN

A 9 question anonymous survey regarding UDT referral patterns was sent to providers who had previously referred a patient to our pediatric urology practice. The results were categorized by specialty and were compared to the similar survey from 2010.

RESULTS

Surveys were sent to 500 physicians with 138 (27.6%) responses received. Less than half of respondents reported that they would refer a boy with unilateral or bilateral palpable UDT by 6 months of age (37.0% and 38.4% respectively). This was not significantly different than the 2010 survey (p = 0.68 and 0.27 respectively). Two-thirds of physicians would refer a patient with unilateral nonpalpable UDT within the recommended time frame (68.8%); this was also unchanged from 2010 (p = 0.87). There was an improvement in respondents who would refer immediately for bilateral nonpalpable testes from 49.8% in 2010 to 53.6% in 2017 (p = 0.01). Residency training was most commonly cited as the primary source of knowledge regarding UDT although 89.3% of respondents citing this were >5 years removed from residency training.

DISCUSSION

Delayed referral patterns were reported by the majority of providers for palpable UDT and by greater than one-third of providers for nonpalpable UDT. There was minimal change in referral patterns between 2010 and 2017 despite the release of the AUA cryptorchidism guidelines in 2014. In both 2010 and 2017, residency training was identified as the primary source of knowledge regarding management of UDT.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest an unmet need for education regarding contemporary management of UDT for the primary care physicians in our community.

A multicenter review of undescended testis torsion: A plea for early management

INTRODUCTION

Torsion of an undescended testis (UT) is a surgical emergency, difficult to diagnose, whose prognosis depends on a quick management.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the management and outcome of these patients.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively analyzed all cases of UT torsion operated in nine French hospitals between 1997 and 2017. We divided patients in two groups: patients referred less than 6 h after the onset of symptoms (group A) or more than 6 h (group B).

MAIN RESULTS

We collected 60 cases (17 in group A and 43 in group B). Median age was 2.2 years [IQR = 0.7-7.8] (2.3 y in group A and 2 y in group B, p = 0.76). Eleven patients (10 in group B) had neurological disorders (p = 0.15). The main reason for absence of UT treatment was the absence of surgical consultation in a normal delay (n = 44, 73%). Symptoms were pain (n = 58, 97%), inguinal mass (n = 55, 92%) and vomiting (n = 16, 27%). An inguinal mass with no palpable testis in the ipsilateral hemiscrotum was seen in 55 patients (92%). An ultrasound scan performed in 27 patients led to the diagnosis in 16 patients (59%). At surgery, an orchiectomy was performed in 4 patients (23%) of group A and 24 patients (56%) of group B (p = 0.04). After a median follow-up of 11 months [IQR = 4-23], 11 patients of group A (65%) and 7 patients of group B (16%) had a clinically normal testis (p = 0.03). The salvage rate among patients with conservative treatment was 85% for group A and 37% for group B (p = 0.01).

DISCUSSION

Our study reveals that although UT torsion is an emergency, 72% of patients are referred more than 6 h after the onset of symptoms. We mostly found classic clinical presentation of UT torsion: a painful inguinal mass with an empty ipsilateral scrotum. Ultrasound was performed in half cases, and even if the result was not significant, it still seemed to be associated with a higher rate of orchiectomy especially in group B because of the delay in care. However, when ultrasound was realized early, it led to diagnosis in all cases. This dilemma poses the problem of the role of imaging in diagnostic management.

CONCLUSIONS

Early clinical diagnosis in front of a painful inguinal mass with an empty scrotum is essential to improve the salvage rate of testis in UT torsion. Early management of UT should have avoided 68% of testis loss.

Laparoscopy for Abdominal Testes: Nationwide Analysis of German Routine Data

Introduction: Laparoscopy has been used for the evaluation of impalpable testes for more than 30 years. However, its use for intra-abdominal testes has never been evaluated in a population-based approach. Neither has the share of timely orchiopexies of intra-abdominal testes according to published guidelines. We aimed to provide this information by using nationwide administrative data for hospital reimbursements. Materials and Methods: We obtained data for procedures for exploration and orchiopexy of intra-abdominal testes in Germany from 2005 through 2018 and analyzed them with linear regression for the use of laparoscopy and timely repair. Results: In 2005, laparoscopy was already used in more than 60% of explorations, which composed 76% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72 to 79) of children operated before their first birthday and 68% (95% CI: 65 to 70) of children up to 4 years of age. Throughout the study period, laparoscopy became increasingly popular for orchiopexy of intra-abdominal testes with a yearly increase of 1.8% (95% CI: 1.2 to 2.5, P < .001) in the first year of life and 1.3% (95% CI: 0.2 to 3.4, P < .001) until the age of 4. The share of patients treated before their first birthday increased yearly by 1.9% for explorations and 1.6% for orchiopexies (P < .001 for both) but did not exceed 30% in 2018. Conclusion: Laparoscopy is the method of choice for exploration of intra-abdominal testes and orchiopexy. In this study, more than 70% of boys were treated after their first birthday, thus not meeting the time limit set by guidelines.

Comparison of diagnostic and treatment guidelines for undescended testis

Cryptorchidism or undescended testis is the single most common genitourinary disease in male neonates. In most cases, the testes will descend spontaneously by 3 months of age. If the testes do not descend by 6 months of age, the probability of spontaneous descent thereafter is low. About 1%-2% of boys older than 6 months have undescended testes after their early postnatal descent. In some cases, a testis vanishes in the abdomen or reascends after birth which was present in the scrotum at birth. An inguinal undescended testis is sometimes mistaken for an inguinal hernia. A surgical specialist referral is recommended if descent does not occur by 6 months, undescended testis is newly diagnosed after 6 months of age, or testicular torsion is suspected. International guidelines do not recommend ultrasonography or other diagnostic imaging because they cannot add diagnostic accuracy or change treatment. Routine hormonal therapy is not recommended for undescended testis due to a lack of evidence. Orchiopexy is recommended between 6 and 18 months at the latest to protect the fertility potential and decrease the risk of malignant changes. Patients with unilateral undescended testis have an infertility rate of up to 10%. This rate is even higher in patients with bilateral undescended testes, with intra-abdominal undescended testis, or who underwent delayed orchiopexy. Patients with undescended testis have a threefold increased risk of testicular cancer later in life compared to the general population. Self-examination after puberty is recommended to facilitate early cancer detection. A timely referral to a surgical specialist and timely surgical correction are the most important factors for decreasing infertility and testicular cancer rates.

Multicenter Analysis of Acquired Undescended Testis and Its Impact on the Timing of Orchidopexy

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether late orchidopexy for undescended testis represents delayed treatment of primary undescended testis or later-occurring acquired undescended testis.

STUDY DESIGN

We examined boys undergoing orchidopexy for cryptorchidism regarding age at surgery and entity of undescended testis. We characterized differences between primary undescended testis and acquired undescended testis and evaluated the knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of acquired undescended testis among practicing physicians. We conducted an observational study using a mixed-method multicenter cross-sectional design. A total of 310 consecutive boys undergoing orchidopexy for undescended testis at 6 pediatric medical centers in Germany between April 2016 and June 2018 were investigated regarding testicular position at birth and age at surgery. In addition, a survey on acquired undescended testis management was carried out in 1017 multidisciplinary physicians and final-year medical students.

RESULTS

Only 13% of all patients were operated on in their first year of life. Among patients with known previous testicular position (67%), primary undescended testis (n = 103) and acquired undescended testis (n = 104) were equally frequent. More than one-half (56%) of orchidopexies performed after the first year of life were due to acquired undescended testis. Remarkably, only 15% of physicians considered acquired undescended testis as an indication for late surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Acquired undescended testis is more common than previously perceived and accounts for a significant proportion of "late" orchidopexies in patients with undescended testis. Acquired undescended testis needs to be better recognized in clinical practice and screening should continue in older children with previously descended testes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Registry: DRKS00015903.

Timing of paediatric orchidopexy in universal healthcare systems: international administrative data cohort study

BACKGROUND

International guidelines in 2008 recommended orchidopexy for undescended testis at 6-12 months of age to reduce the risk of testicular cancer and infertility. Using administrative data from England, Finland, Ontario (Canada), Scotland and Sweden (with data from Victoria (Australia) and Iceland in supplementary analyses), the aim of this study was to investigate compliance with these guidelines and identify potential socioeconomic inequities in the timing of surgery before 1 and 3 years.

METHODS

All boys born in 2003-2011 with a diagnosis code of undescended testis and procedure codes indicating orchidopexy before their fifth birthday were identified from administrative health records. Trends in the proportion of orchidopexies performed before 1 and 3 years of age were investigated, as were socioeconomic inequities in adherence to the guidelines.

RESULTS

Across all jurisdictions, the proportion of orchidopexies occurring before the first birthday increased over the study period. By 2011, from 7·6 per cent (Sweden) to 27·9 per cent (Scotland) of boys had undergone orchidopexy by their first birthday and 71·5 per cent (Sweden) to 90·4 per cent (Scotland) by 3 years of age. There was limited evidence of socioeconomic inequities for orchidopexy before the introduction of guidelines (2008). Across all jurisdictions for boys born after 2008, there was consistent evidence of inequities in orchidopexy by the first birthday, favouring higher socioeconomic position. Absolute differences in these proportions between the highest and lowest socioeconomic groups ranged from 2·5 to 5·9 per cent across jurisdictions.

CONCLUSION

Consistent lack of adherence to the guidelines across jurisdictions questions whether the guidelines are appropriate.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Impalpable Testes at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Background

Impalpable testes may be caused by atrophy, congenital dysgenesis/agenesis, or the presence of testes at unusual sites. Early intervention can improve patient outcomes. The recommended age for surgery ranges from 6 to 18 months.

Objective

To investigate the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of impalpable testes and sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography to diagnose impalpable testes at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital (KSAFH), Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to review cases of impalpable testes admitted to KSAFH, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia from January 1, 2015 to May 20, 2019. Fifty patients diagnosed with impalpable testes were treated surgically in our center during the period. Patients’ data were tabulated, and statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS, version 22; IBM, Armonk, NY). 

Results

We included 50 patients in our study, with a total number of 66 impalpable testes. The median age at diagnosis was 7 months, while the median age at surgery was 17.5 months. The median interval between diagnosis and surgery was 8.5 months, with 44% of cases undergoing surgery after the age of 1.5 years. Two-thirds of the cases were unilateral. The most common site was intracanalicular (57.6%) followed by intra-abdominal (34.8%). The testicular size was average in 36.4%, small in 42.4%, and atrophic in 21.2% of the evaluated cases. 

Conclusions

The overall sensitivity of ultrasonography was 56.1% (it correctly detected the location of 37 out of 66 impalpable testes). The sensitivity of ultrasonography for the detection of intra-abdominal testes was 43.5%, while that of intracanalicular testes was 71.1%.

Guideline implementation for the treatment of undescended testes: Still room for improvement

BACKGROUND

Early orchidopexy (OP) around the age of 1 year is recommended in boys with congenital undescended testis (UDT) worldwide since decades. Former retrospectives studies did not distinguish congenital from acquired UDT with a consecutive negative bias concerning the age at surgery.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis, data of all boys who underwent OP in eight pediatric surgery institutions from 2009 to 2015 were analyzed. Congenital or acquired UDT were differentiated. Patients were categorized into 3 groups of age at surgery: (1) <12 months, (2) 12-24 months, (3) >24 months. Data of one institution were analyzed in detail: exact age of first referral, exact age at surgery, intraoperative findings.

RESULTS

Out of 4448 boys, 3270 boys had congenital UDT. In 81% (2656 cases) surgery was performed beyond the age of 1 year, in 54.4% (1780) beyond the age of 2 years. chi-Square statistics showed a higher rate of early operations in hospitals compared to outpatient services and in Germany compared to Switzerland. In 694 congenital detailed cases, median age at referral was 13 months [range 0-196], median age at surgery was 15 months [range 0-202].

CONCLUSION

Delayed referral is the main reason for guideline non-conform delayed surgery in UDT.

TYPE OF STUDY

Clinical Research paper.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Treatment Study.

Abnormal descent of the testis and its complications: A multimodality imaging review

Cryptorchidism refers to an absence of the testis in the scrotal sac. Testicular descent occurs in two stages: transabdominal and gubernacular. The descent of the testis can be arrested in its usual path of descent (true undescended testis) or can migrate from the usual path of descent (ectopic testis). Localising the missing testis is important for surgical planning, as well as for identification of complications that are more common with cryptorchidism. Ultrasound is the initial imaging modality to visualise, as well as localise the testis in cryptorchidism. However, ultrasound imaging is limited in visualising testes that are not superficial in location. This article highlights various examples of abnormal descent of the testis in usual as well as unusual locations and complications of undescended testes. Further evaluation with computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging is needed in indeterminate cases and for identification of complications. We have highlighted the role of specific modalities with imaging findings in this pictorial review for the appropriate selection of each modality in clinical practice.

Fertility Issues in Pediatric Urology

Improved understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of many urologic disorders, as well as advances in fertility preservation techniques, has increased the awareness of and options for management of fertility threats in pediatric patients. In children, fertility may be altered by oncologic conditions, by differences in sexual differentiation, by gonadotoxic drugs and other side effects of treatment for nonurologic disorders, and by urologic conditions, such as varicocele and cryptorchidism. Although fertility concerns are best addressed in a multidisciplinary setting, pediatric urologists should be aware of the underlying pathophysiology and management options to properly counsel and advocate for patients.

Neonatal Features of the Prader-Willi Syndrome; The Case for Making the Diagnosis During the First Week of Life

OBJECTIVE

Early diagnosis is of proven benefit in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). We therefore examined key perinatal features to aid early recognition.

METHODS

Data were collected from case records of subjects attending a multi-disciplinary clinic and from a retrospective birth questionnaire.

RESULTS

Ninety patients (54 male-36 female) were seen between 1991-2015, most with paternal deletion (n=56) or maternal isodisomy (n=26). Features included cryptorchidism in 94% males, preterm birth (26%), birthweight <2500 g (24%), polyhydramnios (23%), breech presentation (23%) and need for nasogastric feeding (83%). Reduced fetal movements (FM) were reported in 82.5% patients compared with 4% healthy siblings. Of 35 children born since 1999, 23 were diagnosed clinically within 28 days while diagnosis in 12 was >28 days: 1-12 months in seven; and 3.75-10.5 years in five. Typical PWS features in these 12 infants included hypotonia (100%), feeding difficulties (75%), cryptorchidism (83% males) and reduced FM (66%). Causes other than PWS including neuromuscular disease were considered in nine patients.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal hypotonia, reduced FM, feeding difficulties and cryptorchidism should immediately suggest PWS, yet late diagnosis continues in some cases. Awareness of the typical features of PWS in newborn units is required to allow prompt detection even in the presence of confounding factors such as prematurity.

Timing of orchidopexy at a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia: reasons for late surgery

BACKGROUND

Orchidopexy should be performed during the first 18 months of life to decrease the risk of infertility and tumor formation. In our center, the timing of surgical correction varies depending on the availability of an operating room.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate whether orchidopexy performed for patients referred to our center is done within the recommended time period and to determine causes for delay.

DESIGN

Retrospective descriptive study.

SETTING

Pediatric urology department of a tertiary care center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients charts who underwent orchidopexy at our center from 2000 to 2010. We assessed referral time and waiting list time, which were subdivided as follows: from referral to first visit and from first visit to surgery. We included patients younger than 14 years and excluded pa.tients with comorbidities that affected the timing of referral and surgi.cal treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Referral time period and waiting list time for surgical correction of patients presented with undescended testis.

SAMPLE SIZE

128 RESULTS: After exclusion of 32 patients because of comorbidities, we describe 128 who underwent surgery for cryptorchidism at our center. The median (interquartile range, minimum-maximum) for age at sur.gery was 46.7 months (24.4-83.4, 3.1-248.6]). The median (IQR) referral occurred at an age of 25.3 months (4.1-65.5). The median (IQR) waiting list time was 15.2 months (8.1-23.3). The median (IQR) waiting time from referral to the first visit was 4.1 months (1.0-8.2). The median wait.ing time from the first visit to surgery was 8.1 months (3.8-17.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The age at the time of surgery at our center was far from ideal because of late referrals. A structured program offered by our National Health Service to educate referring physicians is necessary. Community health initiatives must emphasize prompt referral to reduce the impact of delayed surgery.

LIMITATIONS

Lack of data on the type of referring physician (i.e., general practitioner, pediatrician, surgeon, urologist).

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

Disorders of sex development: timing of diagnosis and management in a single large tertiary center

BACKGROUND

We describe the phenotypic spectrum and timing of diagnosis and management in a large series of patients with disorders of sexual development (DSD) treated in a single pediatric tertiary center.

METHODS

DSD patients who had visited our tertiary center during the survey period (between 2004 and 2014) were identified based on an ICD-10 inquiry, and their phenotypic and molecular genetic findings were recorded from patient charts.

RESULTS

Among the 550 DSD patients, 53.3% had 46,XY DSD; 37.1% had sex chromosome DSD and 9.6% had 46,XX DSD. The most common diagnoses were Turner syndrome (19.8%, diagnosed at the mean age of 4.7 ± 5.5 years), Klinefelter syndrome (14.5%, 6.8 ± 6.2 years) and bilateral cryptorchidism (23.1%). Very few patients with 46,XY DSD (7%) or 46,XX DSD (21%) had molecular genetic diagnosis. The yearly rate of DSD diagnoses remained stable over the survey period. After the release of the Nordic consensus on the management of undescended testes, the age at surgery for bilateral cryptorchidism declined significantly (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that (i) Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome, the most frequent single DSD diagnoses, are still diagnosed relatively late; (ii) a temporal shift was observed in the management of bilateral cryptorchidism, which may favorably influence patients' adulthood semen quality and (iii) next-generation sequencing methods are not fully employed in the diagnostics of DSD patients.

Cryptorchidism in Sweden: A Nationwide Study of Prevalence, Operative Management, and Complications

OBJECTIVES

To review the cumulative prevalence, operative management, and complications of treatment for cryptorchidism in Sweden.

STUDY DESIGN

A nationwide observational study from longitudinal register data of all Swedish-born boys 0-18 years of age, diagnosed with cryptorchidism from 2001 to 2014. Primary outcomes were occurrence and age at primary surgery. Secondary outcomes included type of procedure and surgical site infection.

RESULTS

Of 20 375 boys diagnosed with cryptorchidism in 2001-2014, 12 766 were surgically treated. The cumulative childhood prevalence was 1.8% (95% CI, 1.5-2.0), with a higher prevalence in boys born prematurely, small for gestational age, or with low birth weight. The median age at treatment decreased from 6.2 years in 2001 to 3.4 years in 2014 (P < .001). Still, 94.1% (95% CI, 92.7-95.6) had surgery after the recommended 1 year of age in 2014. Variations in age at surgery between Swedish counties were great (range, 2.9-5.9 years of age). There were no deaths within 30 days after surgery and the frequency of surgical site infection was low (1.4%; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6).

CONCLUSIONS

The cumulative childhood prevalence of cryptorchidism was high, and complications were rare. Few boys underwent surgery in a timely manner according to clinical guidelines, and standards of care varied considerably across the country. Further research and collective actions are needed to improve the detection and management of congenital cryptorchidism.

Advantage of early orchiopexy for undescended testis: Analysis of testicular growth percentage ratio in patients with unilateral undescended testicle

This study reports the experience of our tertiary referral center and proposes a new indicator, the growth percentage ratio (GPR), for determining the optimal timing of surgical intervention. A retrospective review of boys who underwent orchiopexy for undescended testis from 2001 to 2013 was conducted. We analyzed testicular volumes in different age groups using the UDT to normally descended testis ratio and testicular GPR. A total of 134 boys with unilateral undescended testicle underwent regular ultrasonography follow-up examinations for more than a mean of 3.9 years. Forty-five (33.4%) of them underwent orchiopexy before the age of one year. Orchiopexy at this age resulted in a GPR (2.02 ± 0.40) that was significantly higher than the GPRs in the second (1 < age ≤ 2 years, 1.25 ± 0.13, p = 0.004) and third (age > 2 years, 1.24 ± 0.14 p = 0.008) age groups. The undescended testicle grew faster when orchiopexy was performed before one year of age. Orchiopexy performed within one year from birth significantly accelerates the growth of the UDT, as determined using the GPR, compared to other age groups. The present clinical evidence indicates that orchiopexy should be performed before one year of age.

Age at orchiopexy for undescended testis in the United States

PURPOSE

Undescended testis (UDT) is the most common congenital anomaly of the male genitalia. The American Urological Association guidelines recommend orchiopexy by age 18months to ameliorate the risk of subfertility. The study aim was to assess adherence to these guidelines on a national level.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed both the State Ambulatory Surgery Database (SASD) in 2012 and the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) for 2015. All patients aged 18years or less with a diagnosis of UDT who underwent orchiopexy were included. Demographic data including age at repair as well as surgical subspecialty and payer status were extracted.

RESULTS

Analysis of the 2012 SASD for New Jersey, Florida, and Maryland yielded 1654 patients. The majority were white, 791 (48.3%), with a median age at repair of 4years (IQR 1-8). Most patients, 1048 (64%), had orchiopexy later than age 2. A total of 844 males were identified from the PHIS database. Of these, 63% were white. The median age at repair was 5years (IQR 1-9). There were 577 (68%) patients older than 2years at orchiopexy.

CONCLUSION

Almost 70% of boys with undescended testes in the United States are undergoing orchiopexy at least 6months later than the recommended age.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Rural versus urban compliance in the management of cryptorchidism: is there a difference?

The authors compared the age and referral patterns of pediatric patients undergoing surgical intervention for cryptorchidism at a rural, West Virginia University, versus urban, Johns Hopkins University, tertiary center. A retrospective review of patients undergoing surgical evaluation for cryptorchidism was performed. Patients treated for reasons unrelated to cryptorchidism or referred for multiple urologic diagnoses were excluded. The patients at each institution were then divided into four groups based on their corrected gestational age at time of surgery. Referral times and provider specialties were also obtained. A total of 131 cases at the urban center and 100 cases at the rural center were identified. At the rural center, the average age of referral and surgery were 48.3 and 53.8 months, respectively, compared to 59.6 and 65.2 months at the urban center. Only 40% of patients at the rural site and 29% at the urban institution underwent intervention at less than 18 months of age. There was no significant difference in time of referral to surgery between the institutions. The majority of referrals were made by private practice pediatricians.

CONCLUSION

In this study, a pattern of delayed referral and intervention was observed at both institutions despite differing geographic regions and heterogeneous patient populations. It is important that referring providers realize that scrotal U/S does not change management of UDT and should not delay prompt referral. What is known: • Significant referral delay is a challenging issue in the management of cryptorchidism. • Ultrasound is not a valid method for the detection of cryptorchidism. What is new: • The rural and urban management of cryptorchidism is not that different. • More emphasis should be put on the detection management of cryptorchidism.

[The surgical management of undescended testis between 6 and 12 months: A difficult message to convey]

PURPOSE

The undescended testis (UT) is the most common congenital malformation of the genital apparatus in male infants. The main objective of the management of these patients is to reduce the risk of infertility and cancer. Since these risks increase with age of operation, learned societies have recommended earlier intervention. Following the publication in 2007 of the Nordic consensus that called for an intervention between 6 and 12 months of age, we issued this message to medical students in the Lower Normandy region of France. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of this teaching through the evolution of the number of children operated between 6 and 12 months for a congenital UT in our center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2005 and 2014, we evaluated the yearly percentage of children operated for UT between 6 and 12 months compared to the percentage of children operated on between 12 and 24 months. A statistical study using the Chi(2) test was used to compare the 2005-2008 and 2009-2012 periods.

RESULTS

The percentage of children operated on between 6 and 12 months of age increased from 13.7 % between 2005 and 2008 to 17.2 % between 2009 and 2014. From 2012 on, the number of children operated on between 6 and 12 months was consistently higher than the number of children operated on between 12 and 24 months. The proportion of children operated beyond 2 years remained stable over the study period.

CONCLUSION

Since we implemented teaching of early surgery for children with UT, we have observed a gradual increase in the number of children operated between 6 and 12 months of age. Nevertheless, there are still many children operated between 12 and 24 months and beyond.

Age at Surgery and Outcomes of an Undescended Testis

BACKGROUND

Undescended testis (UDT) is the most common genital anomaly in boys. Current guidelines recommend surgery before 12 months of age to maximize fertility and potentially reduce the risk of future malignancy. We investigated the prevalence of UDT and examined rates of surgery and age at surgery in an Australian population.

METHODS

UDT was identified from all live-born infants in New South Wales, Australia, from 2001 to 2011 using routinely collected record-linked birth and hospital data. The prevalence of UDT, surgery rates, age at surgery, postsurgical outcomes, and risk factors for surgery performed later than the recommended age were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 10 875 (2.1%) boys with a recorded diagnosis of UDT. Corrective surgery was performed in 4980 (45.8%), representing a cumulative prevalence of 9.6 per 1000 male births. Five percent of surgeries were orchidectomies, and 9% of boys had revision surgery. Median age at surgery was 16.6 months (interquartile range 11.8 to 31.0 months), decreasing from 21 months for boys born in 2001 to 13 months for boys born in 2010. Among those boys having surgery before 36 months (n = 3897), 67% had corrective surgery after the recommended 12 months of age; socioeconomic disadvantage, regional/remote area of residence, and lack of private health insurance were risk factors for having corrective surgery after 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

One in 50 boys born are diagnosed with UDT; two-thirds had no report of corrective surgery. The age at surgery is decreasing; however, two-thirds of surgeries are performed after 12 months of age.

Undescended testis: Level of knowledge among potential referring health-care providers

AIM

Studies report that most boys with undescended testis(UDT) are referred and operated beyond the recommended age of 1 year, possibly due to lack of awareness of treatment guidelines. We investigate the level of knowledge of UDT among potential referring health-care providers.

METHOD

We devised a survey on the clinical features and appropriate management of UDT. Using convenience sampling, we approached health-care professionals with regular contact with paediatric patients and final year medical students. Respondents were allowed to remain anonymous. They were categorised according to specialty and level of experience/training.

RESULTS

Of 1179 approached, 203 responded. Thirty-six (24%) of 149 qualified doctors had never seen a case of UDT. Median score was 6 (range 1-9). There was no significant difference in scores when comparing specialty. Mean scores decreased significantly in trend according to level of experience. When questioned regarding timings of referral and orchidopexy, 24% of qualified doctors would not refer until 9 months of age, and 66% thought orchidopexy should be done after 1 year old. Half would stop examining for UDT after 2 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

Inexperience with UDT and outdated knowledge may contribute to delays in referral for UDT. Many would stop examining for UDT at 2 years old, placing undue reliance on accurate physical examination in early childhood and indicating lack of awareness of the ascending testis. Community health initiatives must emphasise recent changes in guidelines for management of UDT.

Operative management of cryptorchidism: guidelines and reality--a 10-year observational analysis of 3587 cases

Background

Undescended testis (UDT) is the most common disorder in pediatric surgery and one of the most important risk factors for malignancy and subfertility. In 2009 local guidelines were modified and now recommend treatment to be completed by the age of 1. Aim of this study was to analyze age distribution at the time of orchidopexy, whether the procedure is performed according to guideline recommendations and to assess primary care pediatricians’ attitude regarding their treatment approach.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 3587 patients with UDT regarding age at orchidopexy between 2003 and 2012 in 13 German hospitals. Furthermore, we conducted an anonymized nation-wide survey among primary care pediatricians regarding their attitude toward management of UDT.

Results

Before modification of the guideline 78 % (n = 1245) of the boys with UDT were not operated according to guideline recommendations. After the modification that number rose to 95 % (n = 1472). 42 % of the orchidopexies were performed on patients aged 4 to 17 years. 46 % of the primary care pediatricians were not aware of this discrepancy and 38 % would only initiate operative management after the first year of life. In hospitals with pediatric surgery departments significantly more patients received orchidopexy in their first year of life (p < .001).

Conclusion

The guideline for UDT in Germany has not yet been implemented sufficiently. Timing of orchidopexy must be optimized in order to improve long-term prognosis. Both primary care providers and parents should be educated regarding the advantages of early orchidopexy in UDT. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the high rate of late orchidopexies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12887-015-0429-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evaluation and management of the infant with cryptorchidism

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Normal testicular descent is now recognized to occur in two steps with the first, transabdominal stage controlled by insulin-like hormone 3. The second, inguinoscrotal stage is controlled by androgens, mostly indirectly via the genitofemoral nerve, which appears to direct the migration of the gubernaculum to the scrotum. Undescended testis (UDT) is multifactorial, with only some of the genes identified. This review highlights recent developments that are leading to changes in practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is an emerging consensus among pediatric surgeons and urologists about the management of UDT with recommendations that the diagnosis of congenital UDT should be confirmed at 3-6 months of age and orchidopexy done at 6-12 months of age. With the recommendations for early surgery, recent studies focus on the complications of orchidopexy, to determine whether this is higher in infants than older children. In addition, there is general acceptance of the existence of 'acquired' UDT, which develops after about 2 years of age, but treatment for this group remains controversial.

SUMMARY

Evaluation of children with UDT now needs to be separated into the assessment of possible congenital UDT in infants at 0-6 months, for orchidopexy before 12 months, and preschool boys, who may be developing acquired UDT.

The timing of surgery for undescended testis - a retrospective multicenter analysis

BACKGROUND

n Germany, it is recommended that the surgical treatment of an undescended testis should be carried out between the ages of 6 months and 1 year to lower the risks of subfertility and testicular carcinoma. Although this recommendation has appeared in the German guidelines from 2007 onward, orchidopexy is still frequently performed at later ages.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed data from seven pediatric surgical services in the German state of Baden-Württemberg on all boys who underwent orchidopexy from 2009 to 2012. We classified the timing of surgery as Age Group I (before the first birthday), Age Group II (between the first and second birthdays), and Age Group III (after the second birthday). We determined whether preoperative hormonal treatment was given and distinguished primary from secondary undescended testis.

RESULTS

Among 2213 boys who underwent orchidopexy, 1850 had primary and 363 had secondary undescended testis. Of those with primary undescended testis, the percentages of boys who underwent surgery in Age Groups I, II, and III were (respectively, with 95% confidence intervals): 18.7% (17-20.6%), 24.4% (22.5-26.5%), and 57% (54.6-59.2%). A small percentage of boys in each group also received preoperative hormonal treatment. From 2009 to 2012, there was a secular trend favoring earlier orchidopexy. In 2012, 28 boys (14.2% [9.7-20.0%]) had orchidopexy in outpatient pediatric surgery practices before their first birthday, while 68 did on hospital inpatient services (40.7% [33.2-48.6%]).

CONCLUSION

Most of the patients studied had surgery at a later age than recommended. Adherence to the guidelines in this respect is nonetheless relatively good in Germany compared to other countries, as studies from abroad have yielded findings that are just as bad or worse.