Epididymal disjunction anomalies in undescended testis - a factor associated with spermatic obstruction

ABSTRACT Background: To analyze the incidence of epididymal anomalies (EAs) associated to spermatic obstruction in patients with undescended testis (UT) according to testicular position and age. Materials and Methods: We studied 87 patients (110 testis) with cryptorchidism and analyzed the presence of EAs correlated with the testicular position, age and patency of the processus vaginalis (PV). To analyze the relations between the testis and epididymis we considered three situations: (a) Normal pattern: the epididymis was attached to the testis at the head and tail and epididymis totally attached to the testis; (b) EAs: when the epididymis was attached to the testis only at the head (Figure-1A) and (c) EAs associated to spermatic obstruction: epididymis was attached to the testis only at the tail (Figure-1B) and when there are no visible connection between testis and epididymis (Figure-1C). We used the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and the Chi-square test for contingency analysis (p <0.05). Results: The mean age of the patients was 5.18 years (SD=2.867). Of 110 testes analyzed, 14 were abdominal (12.72%); 83 inguinal (75.45%) and 13 suprascrotal (11.81%). Normal relationships between testis and epididymis were observed in 54 patients (62.1%) with no significant differences in relation to the patient's age (p=0.666). Epididymal tail disjunction was observed in 23 patients (26.44%), with no significant differences in relation to age (p=0.59). EAs associated to spermatic obstruction were observed in 16 patients (18.4%), also with no significant differences in relation to age (p=0.684). We did not observe significant correlation between the testis position and the incidence of EAs (p=0.119). We did not observe significant correlations between patency of the PV (64.7%) and incidence of EAs (p=0.742). Conclusions: Epididymal anomalies associated with spermatic obstruction are present in almost 20% of undescended testes, without significant correlation with age, testicular position and patency of the PV. This information needs to be correlated to the infertility risk of this congenital anomaly.

Síndrome de persistencia de los conductos mullerianos: una rara entidad que debe ser conocida / Persistent Müllerian Duct Symdrome: a rare anomaly that must be known

Introducción: El síndrome de persistencia de los conductos müllerianos es un raro trastorno de la diferenciación sexual con menos de 300 casos publicados, que se caracteriza por la presencia en la persona afectada de ambos sistemas reproductores masculino y femenino. Un varón con cariotipo XY fenotípicamente masculino en quien el conducto de Müller (útero, trompas, 2/3 superior de la vagi-na) no sufrió regresión. Caso clínico: Masculino de 14 meses de edad ingresado en el Hospital de Especialidades del Seguro Social para laparoscopía diagnostica por criptorquidia bilateral con testículos no palpables y pene normal. En la laparoscopía se identiicó trompas, útero y 2/3 superior de la vagina. Además, se tomó biopsia de ambas gónadas que conirmó presencia de tejido testicular normal para la edad. Con estos datos se programa para orquidopexia bilateral más histerectomía, colpectomía y salpingectomía bilateral. Es controlado en consulta externa de endocrinología y cirugía con evolución normal. Conclusiones: El síndrome de persistencia de los conductos mül-lerianos es muy raro debe sospecharse en masculinos con criptorquidia bilateral con testículos no palpables y pene normal. El abordaje inicial debe ser laparoscopía diagnóstica con toma de biopsia de ambas gónadas y luego en la segunda intervención ya con el reporte de patología proceder a la orquidopexia bilateral más la remoción de los elementos del conducto de Müller...(AU)

Do retractile testes have anatomical anomalies?

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess the incidence of anatomical anomalies in patients with retractile testis. Materials and Methods: We studied prospectively 20 patients (28 testes) with truly retractile testis and compared them with 25 human fetuses (50 testes) with testis in scrotal position. We analyzed the relations among the testis, epididymis and patency of the processus vaginalis (PV). To analyze the relations between the testis and epididymis, we used a previous classification according to epididymis attachment to the testis and the presence of epididymis atresia. To analyze the structure of the PV, we considered two situations: obliteration of the PV and patency of the PV. We used the Chi-square test for contingency analysis of the populations under study (p <0.05). Results: The fetuses ranged in age from 26 to 35 weeks post-conception (WPC) and the 20 patients with retractile testis ranged in ages from 1 to 12 years (average of 5.8). Of the 50 fetal testes, we observed complete patency of the PV in 2 cases (4%) and epididymal anomalies (EAs) in 1 testis (2%). Of the 28 retractile testes, we observed patency of the PV in 6 cases (21.4%) and EA in 4 (14.28%). When we compared the incidence of EAs and PV patency we observed a significantly higher prevalence of these anomalies in retractile testes (p=0.0116). Conclusions: Retractile testis is not a normal variant with a significant risk of patent processus vaginalis and epididymal anomalies.

Why are mini-implants lost: The value of the implantation technique!

The use of mini-implants have made a major contribution to orthodontic treatment. Demand has aroused scientific curiosity about implant placement procedures and techniques. However, the reasons for instability have not yet been made totally clear. The aim of this article is to establish a relationship between implant placement technique and mini-implant success rates by means of examining the following hypotheses: 1) Sites of poor alveolar bone and little space between roots lead to inadequate implant placement; 2) Different sites require mini-implants of different sizes! Implant size should respect alveolar bone diameter; 3) Properly determining mini-implant placement site provides ease for implant placement and contributes to stability; 4) The more precise the lancing procedures, the better the implant placement technique; 5) Self-drilling does not mean higher pressures; 6) Knowing where implant placement should end decreases the risk of complications and mini-implant loss.

O uso de mini-implantes trouxe grandes contribuições ao tratamento ortodôntico. Essa demanda gerou curiosidade científica sobre os procedimentos e técnicas de implantação. Entretanto, instabilidades desses dispositivos ocorrem por motivos ainda não totalmente esclarecidos. Objetiva-se, com esse trabalho, relacionar a técnica de implantação com a taxa de sucesso dos mini-implantes por meio das seguintes hipóteses: 1) áreas com osso alveolar pobre e com pouco espaço inter-radicular levam à inadequada implantação; 2) diferentes áreas requerem distintos tamanhos de mini-implantes! O tamanho do implante deve acompanhar o diâmetro do osso alveolar; 3) a correta determinação do local em que será colocado o mini-implante facilita a instalação e contribui para a estabilidade; 4) quanto mais precisa for a lancetagem, melhor será a técnica de implantação; 5) autoperfuração não significa alta pressão; 6) saber onde finalizar a implantação diminui a incidência de complicações e de perda dos mini-implantes.

Undescended testicle: An update on fertility in cryptorchid men.

Cryptorchidism or undescended testis is one of the most common anomalies encountered in paediatric urology and is estimated to affect 1 to 4 per cent of full term and upto 30 per cent of preterm male neonates. The associated problems of sub-fertility or infertility and malignant transformation have been recognized for long. Fertility is impaired after both unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism. The reported paternity rates in adults are about two-third for unilateral undescended testis and less than one-third for bilateral disease. Over the last five decades, the concepts related to cryptorchidism have changed dramatically as knowledge about its effects has accrued from research conducted worldwide. The recommended age of orchidopexy has fallen progressively from adolescence to less than one year. The realization that the infantile testes are not in a state of ‘suspended animation’ and the recognition of the defect in the androgen dependent transformation of gonocytes into adult dark spermatogonia in cryptorchidism have been recognized as the primary cause of sub-fertility in these patients. This has paved the way for hormone therapy in an attempt to simulate the ‘post-natal gonadotropin surge’ or ‘mini-puberty’. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the various factors affecting the fertility status in cryptorchidism with a particular focus on the derangements in the development and maturation of the germ cells and the role of surgery, hormone therapy and antioxidants in reversing these changes.

The incidence and histological characteristics of intratubular germ cell neoplasia in postpubertal cryptorchid testis

PURPOSE: It is well known that testicular germ cell tumors arise with increased frequency in patients with cryptorchidism. In addition, intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) is a precursor lesion to testicular germ cell tumor. Approximately 50% of patients with ITGCN will develop an invasive of testicular germ cell tumors within 5 years. Therefore, we evaluated that the incidence of ITGCN in postpubertal cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and August 2012, orchiectomy specimens from 31 postpubertalpatients (aged 12 or over) with cryptorchid testis were reviewed. The specimens were evaluated for ITGCN using immunohistochemical stains of placental-like alkaline phosphatase and Oct 3/4 with routine hematoxylin-eosin stain. Additionally, the degree of spermatogenesis was assessed using the Johnsen score. RESULTS: Mean age was 34 years (range, 17 to 74 years) at surgery. All patients were diagnosed as unilateral cryptorchidism. One patient (3.2%) of 20-year-old had ITGCN in surgical specimen with all positive markers. Histological assessment of spermatogenesis showed that mean Johnsen score was 3.42 (range, 1 to 9). Majority of patients (27 of 31) presented impaired spermatogenesis with low Johnsen score lesser than 5. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the risk of malignancy and low spermatogenesis, we should perform immunohistochemical stains and discuss preventative orchiectomy for the postpubertal cryptorchidism.

A rare case of perineal hamartoma associated with cryptorchidism and imperforate anus: case report / Caso raro de hamartoma perineal associado a criptorquidia e ânus imperfurado: relato de caso

A full-term male neonate with anorectal anomaly and external perineal anomalies was referred to our service. Physical examination showed an epithelized perineal mass with cutaneous orifices, which had urine fistulization, hipotrofic perineal musculature, bilateral congenital clubfoot, hipospadic urethra, criptorquidy bilateral with nonpalpable testis and imperforate anus. A colostomy was constructed immediately after birth. The child underwent excision of perineal mass, bilateral orchidopexy, Duplay neourethroplasty and coloanal anastomosis at 3 months of age. The histopathological examination of the perineal mass revealed a hamartoma.

Recém-nascido a termo do sexo masculino encaminhado ao nosso serviço por anomalia anorretal e anomalias perineais externas. O exame físico revelou massa perineal epitelizada, com orifícios cutâneos que apresentavam saída de urina, musculatura perineal hipotrófica, pé torto congênito bilateral, uretra hipospádica, criptorquidia bilateral com testículos não palpáveis e ânus imperfurado. Logo após o nascimento, o paciente foi submetido à colostomia. Aos 3 meses de idade, a criança foi submetida à excisão da massa perineal, orquidopexia bilateral, neouretroplastia a Duplay e anastomose coloanal. A análise anatomopatológica da massa perineal indicou hamartoma.

Role of primary chemotherapy in management of large tumors of undescended testis: our experience

This study aimed to share our experience with tumors of undescended testis [UDT] and to assess the impact of primary cisplatin-based chemotherapy on such tumors. This study included the cases of tumor in UDT from February 2005 to December 2011. Evaluation of the cases was done with proper clinical examination and laboratory investigations along with tumor markers [alfa-feto protein, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, lactate dehydrogenase] and contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen. Fine needle aspiration cytologywas done in all cases. Primary chemotherapy with three cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin regimen at three weekly intervals started in all cases. Response to treatment was seen after four weeks of the third cycle. Fourteen cases [12.5%] of germ cell tumor in UDT out of 112 cases of germ cell tumor of the testis were included. The age ranged from 16-60 years. Histological diagnosis was pure seminoma in all cases. After three cycles of BEP regime, complete response was seen in 11 cases and partial response in three cases where the residual tumor was excised along with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection RPLND. Of the 14 cases, 13 were in regular follow-up and one was lost to follow-up. All on follow-up were doing well without recurrence till now. Surgical removal of the primary tumor in UDT with or without bulky metastasis is complicated. Primary chemotherapy with cisplatin-based regimen is a good option in such cases.

Clinical importance and prevalence of testicular microlithiasis in pediatric patients / Importância clínica e prevalência de microlititíase testicular em pacientes pediátricos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis among pediatric patients with inguinoscrotal affections. METHODS: Between January 2005 and January 2010, we evaluated, prospectively 1504 children ranging from 1 to 15 years with inguinoscrotal affections with a high-frequency ultrasound system, which employs a 10-MHz transducer. RESULTS: Testicular microlithiasis was identified in 20 testes of eleven children (0.71 percent of 1504 patients evaluated), through an ultrasound scan. Testicular microlithiasis was found in 5 children with cryptorchidism (3.93 percent of 127 patients), 4 children with retractile testes (14.8 percent of 27 patients), 1 child with a hypotrophic testis (100 percent of 1 patient), and 1 child with inguinal hernia (0.07 percent of 1349 patients). The children with testicular microlithiasis were submitted to annual physical examinations and ultrasound evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular microlithiasis was a rare condition and occurred in 0.7 percent of the subjects studied. The association with cryptorchidism, retractile and hypotrophic testis was significant.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de microlitíase testicular entre pacientes pediátricos com afecções inguinoescrotais. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo entre janeiro de 2005 a janeiro de 2010, utilizando ultrasonografia escrotal em 1504 crianças (de 1 a 15 anos) com afecções inguinoescrotais. RESULTADOS: Microlitíase testicular foi identificada em 20 testículos de 11 crianças (0,71 por cento dos 1504 pacientes). 5 crianças com criptorquidia (3,93 por cento de 127 pacientes), 4 com testículo retrátil (14,8 por cento de 27 pacientes), 1 com hipotrofia testicular e 1 com hérnia inguinal (0,07 por cento de 1349 crianças). As crianças foram avaliadas anualmente com exame físico e ultrassonografia inguinoescrotal. CONCLUSÕES: A microlitíase testicular é uma entidade rara, ocorrendo em 0,7 por cento dos pacientes pediátricos com afecções inguinoescrotais. A associação com a criptorquidia, testículo retrátil e a hipotrofia testicular foi significativa.

Infertilidad masculina / Male infertility

Se estima que aproximadamente un 15 por ciento de las parejas son incapaces de concebir luego de un año de relaciones sexuales no protegidas; 30 por ciento son debidas a factor femenino y 30 por ciento a factor masculino. El 40 por ciento restante es de causa mixta. La evaluación inicial de rutina en el varón (que incluye una detallada historia clínica, examen físico y test básicos como perfil hormonal y análisis seminal) es por lo tanto esencial para la mejoría de su fertilidad. El varicocele, criptorquidia no tratada y las infecciones del tracto urogenital son las causas identificables más frecuentes de infertilidad masculina. Causas menos frecuentes son las disfunciones sexuales, trastornos endocrinos y efectos adversos de medicamentos. Los tratamientos para estas patologías han sido efectivos en la mayoría de los casos, permitiendo a un importante número de parejas concebir en forma espontánea. Si esto no es posible, las parejas pueden recurrir a técnicas de reproducción asistida de baja complejidad, tales como la Inseminación Intrauterina. Y sólo en aquellos casos con problemas más severos recurriremos a técnicas de reproducción de alta complejidad como por ejemplo el ICSI (Inyección Intracitoplasmática de Espermatozoides). Importantes progresos en el área de la Microcirugía permiten no sólo reparar la vía seminal en muchos casos, sino también recuperar espermatozoides de pacientes con atrofia testicular. En los últimos años, junto con el ICSI, han sido una importante contribución.

It is estimated that approximately 15 percent of couples are unable to conceive after one year of contraceptive-free intercourse; 30 percent of which are due to female factors and 30 percent to malefactors. The remaining 40 percent are due to both partners. A routine initial evaluation of the male partner (including detailed medical history, physical exam and basic tests such as hormonal profile and semen analysis) is therefore essential, for improvement of their fertility. Varicocele, untreated Cryptorquidism, infections (eg. epididymitis, orquitis, prostatitis and vesiculitis, most of which are related with sexually transmitted diseases) are the most frequent causes of male infertility. Other minor causes include sexual dysfunctions, drug adverse effects, exposure to radiationor contaminants, endocrine and genetic factors. Treatment for this condition has been effective in most cases, allowing a significant proportion of couples to conceive spontaneously. Whenever this is not possible, patients may resort to low complexity techniques such as artificial insemination, and only in more severe cases, to advanced assisted reproduction techniques such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and in particular Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection (ICSI).Microsurgery has also progressed. Not only used to repair the seminal path when obstructed, but also to recover sperm from patients with testicular atrophy. In recent years, these techniques, together with ICSI, have made an important therapeutic contribution.

Successful treatment of unilateral cryptorchid boys risking infertility with LH-RH analogue

INTRODUCTION: Infertility is the primary concern for boys with uni- or bilateral undescended testes. An early and seemingly successful orchiopexy does not improve fertility in a substantial number of cryptorchid males. We confirmed that LH-RH analogue (LH-RHa) treatment induces an increase in and maturation of the germ cells; however, it was uncertain if treatment would improve the chance of fertility later in life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty unilateral cryptorchid boys, with an average age of 3 years at the time of surgery, were included in the study. Testicular biopsy showed that they had impaired testicular maturation and were therefore at high risk for infertility. Fifteen of the 30 unilateral cryptorchid boys were treated with 10 µg LH-RHa (Buserelin) nasal spray, administered on alternate days for a period of 6 months, following orchiopexy. The control group consisted of 15 cryptorchid boys who had been treated by Schoemakers type of orchiopexy, alone. After puberty, the ejaculates of both groups were analyzed. RESULTS: All males in the untreated group were severely oligospermic, with 20 percent being azoospermic. In contrast, 86 percent of the treated ex-cryptorchid males had a sperm concentration within the normal range; this was significantly different from the sperm concentration found in the untreated group (p = 0.000008). CONCLUSION: For the first time, we demonstrate that infertility in cryptorchidism can be successfully corrected when suitably treated with a LH-RHa. Sperm parameters normalized following therapy in the majority of cryptorchid males who, untreated, would have remained infertile. This innovative hormonal treatment will have a profound effect on the current recommended surgical treatment of boys with undescended testes.

Relevance of herniography for accurate diagnosis of patent processus vaginalis in cryptorchidism

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of peritoneography in assessing the patency of processus vaginalis (PV) in pediatric patients diagnosed with cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a prospective clinical trial to evaluate the patency of PV in boys presenting cryptorchidism. Herniography was performed in 310 prepubertal boys. Data about the morphology of PV was compared with operative findings in those surgically treated patients. Retractile and ectopic testes were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Of the 376 undescended testes (310 patients), 281 cases were associated with an obliterated PV. Herniography revealed 95 cases of open PV in cryptorchid boys. The 244 normally descended testes had associated patent processus vaginalis in only 31 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Herniography is the most relevant procedure for accurate diagnosis of persistent PV. The persistence of PV was significantly more frequent when the position of the testes is more cranial. The incidence of an open PV decreases with age.

Outcome of late presentation of undescended testes

Our objective was to present the management of late presentation of undescended testes as well as the result surgical findings. From January 2005 to December 2007, sixty one patients with undescended testis were referred to us for management, 9 of them had bilateral pathology. 90% of our patients presented as a result of empty scrotum, US was diagnostic in 68/70. MRI was able to locate one of the two remaining testes.All patient underwent surgical exploration with a high success rate of orchiopexy. To avoid the risk of testicular atrophy and infertility, it is now widely agreed that orchidopexy be performed at age 6-12 months of life. In our study unfortunately none of patient presented earlier than 2 years. Despite the late presentation we were able to perform orchidopexy in only 32% under the age of 5 years. The system of identifying these group of patients needs to be improved by various methods so that patients will be seen earlier. The health authority should be aware of this problem and the changing trend in earlier referral to the appropriate clinic for a better management