[Ascent of the testis]

Testes ascending from the normal scrotal position to an undescended position is common, but not well known. The case notes of 37 boys who underwent orchidopexy between 1980 and 1994 at Nordfjordeid Hospital, Norway, were collected. None of the boys had previously undergone inguinal surgery. All patients underwent testicular examination at the time of birth. 23 boys (62%) had normally descended testes at birth but subsequently developed maldescens. According to these figures, testicular ascent is far more common than previously recorded. It is of major importance that the testicular position be examined repeatedly until the age of seven years.