Epidemiologic Study of the Prevalence and Awareness of Cryptorchidism, Hydrocele, and Varicocele in Elementary Schools in Gwangju

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence and parent's concern of cryptorchidism, hydrocele and varicocele among elementary school boys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,795 elementary school boys who resided in Gwangju were investigated by questionnaires. Among them, 1,115 boys who agreed to a physical checkup underwent physical examination between May and June 2007. RESULTS: The most frequent anomaly was hydrocele, which was seen in 37 boys (3.31%) on questionnaires and physical examination. The other anomalies were cryptorchidism in 17 boys (1.52%) and varicocele in 7 boys (0.62%). Most of the boys and their parents were not aware of their cryptorchidism (70.58%) and varicocele (71.42%). The boys who replied in questionnaires that they had been diagnosed with hydrocele appeared to had undergone hydrocele repair in the past. CONCLUSIONS: By survey, the prevalence rates of cryptorchidism, hydrocele, and varicocele were 3.31%, 1.52%, and 0.62%, respectively. Education of the public and primary care physicians about cryptorchidism and varicocele and a screening system are needed to achieve better therapeutic outcome.