Outcome of late presentation of undescended testes

ABSTRACT

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