Comprehension and Practice Patterns Toward Cryptorchidism in Korean Urologists

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the practice patterns of urologists in Korea regarding the diagnosis and management of cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-completed questionnaires that consisted of 15 items concerning the diagnosis and treatment of cryptorchidism were distributed via letters or e-mail to 167 urologists who practiced in training hospitals in Korea. Responses were collected and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Responses were received from 89 urologists (response rate was 53.5%). Most of the urologists (96%) recommended that cryptorchidism be treated at the age of 1 year or before. In the case of postpubertal cryptorchidism, 72% of Korean urologists preferred orchiopexy first because of cosmesis (42%) and early detection of testicular cancer (38%). Sixty-five percent of all urologists preferred surgical correction of a retractile testis at the time of diagnosis or when the condition persisted until school age or puberty. Pediatric urologists were more conservative in terms of management of a retractile testis than were general urologists (p=0.009). To detect hidden testes in nonpalpable cryptorchidism, most urologists (92%) performed imaging studies, whereas only 39% of urologists performed laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Korean urologists who practice in the training hospitals have a high level of understanding of the management of cryptorchidism. However, some differences of opinion exist in the diagnosis and treatment of nonpalpable undescended testis and retractile testis. These results can be used as baseline data for establishing future diagnosis and treatment guidelines for cryptorchidism.