Menu
Disease
A-Z
Health Topics
Alternative Medicine
Developmental Pediatrics
General Pediatrics
Genetics
Immunodeficiencies
Infectious Diseases
Laboratory Medicine
Neonatology
Nutrition
Pediatric Cardiology
View all Topics
Featured Articles
Skin allergies
Anal itching
Anaphylaxis
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Cushing's syndrome
Urticaria (hives) and angioedema
Kids Corner
Health and Knowledge with fun.
Drugs &
Calculators
Medical Calculators
Drug Calculators
Growth Calculators
Renal Calculators
View all Calcualtors
Drug Index
ACE inhibitor
Alkylating agents
Allergies
View all Drugs
Poisoning Center
Aluminum phosphide
Anti-histaminics
Antidepressants
View all Drugs
Medical Eqipments
Monitors
Pumps
Incubators
View all Equipments
Diagnostic Aid
Get your diffrential
diagnosis.
Consult
& Posts
Ask a Doctor
Diagnostic Dilemma
Question of the Day
Pediatric Blogs
Spot Diagnosis
Grand Rounds
Pedi Poll
Pediatric
Journal
Current Issue
Archives
About the Journal
Submit Article
Books
& Apps
Book Store
Pediatric Oncall
Medical Calculators
Vaccine Reminder
Pediatric Oncall Journal
Drug Center
Parenting
CME &
Videos
Upcoming Conferences
Conference Abstracts
MCQs
Videos
Vaccine
Reminder
Sign In
Diseases and Conditions
›
Pediatric Surgery
›
Undescended Testis
Undescended Testis
Dr. Santosh Karmarkar
More..
Undescended Testis - Patient Education
Q) How the testicles normally descend?
A) The testicles are the male sex organs that produce sperm and the male hormones. They form near the kidneys. As the fetus grows in the mother's womb, the testicles move down through the groin into scrotum. Normally they are in the scrotum before birth.
Q) When a testicle doesn't descend?
A) Sometimes a testicles doesn't fully descend into the scrotum before birth. Instead, it stops somewhere along the normal pathway between the kidney and the scrotum. Or it may stray from this pathway. What causes this is not known. An undescended testicles is most common in premature babies, and mostly only one testicle is affected.
A retractile testicle
A retractile testicle is sometimes confused with an undescended testicle. A retractile testicle has descended into the scrotum. However, when the muscles that attach to the testicles contract, the testicle is pulled back up into the groin. As the boy matures, the testicles will remain in the scrotum. Treatment is rarely needed.
An undescended testicle
Your baby's doctor may detect an undescended testicle at birth. More often, it is found when the baby is few months old. The doctor will most likely check the testicles over the next few months to see if it descends on its own. If not, surgery is needed to bring the testicles down into the scrotum.
Locating an undescended testicle
The undescended testicle can usually be felt during a physical exam. Your baby lies on his back for the exam. An older child may be asked to squat. The doctor places his or her fingers on the child's groin and then gently moves them toward the scrotum until the testicle is felt. If the testicle can't be found with an exam, imaging studies, such as ultrasound or other special tests may be needed.
Watchful waiting
The doctor will most likely wait for a few months to see if your son's testicle will descend on its own. The closer the testicle is to the scrotum, the greater the chance it will come down. If the testicle does not descend on its own, it can still be treated. If both testicles have not descended, or if the testicle is above the groin, the doctor may advice tests and earlier treatment.
Q) Why treatment is needed?
A) If the testicle doesn't descend on its own, it should be treated. Your doctor will discuss the best time with you. The longer a testicle remains outside the scrotum, the more likely it is that it will produce fewer sperms. An undescended testicle has a higher risk of cancer. This is true even after the testicle is brought down into the scrotum. The testicle down makes a problem easier to find.
An undescended testicle can leave a small tear (hernia) in the wall between the abdomen and the groin. The hernia needs to be treated to prevent future problem.
Surgery
The testicle is brought down into the scrotum during surgery. Rarely, a testicle is malformed and must be removed.
You and your son are asked to arrive at the hospital or surgery centre on the previous night/ morning of surgery. An opening (incision) is made in the groin or abdomen. Another small incision is made in the scrotum.
The testicle is detached from the tissue around it. Then it is brought down and stitched to the wall of the scrotum. In case the testis could not be fully brought down it may be fixed just above the scrotum.
In case the testis could not be brought down and is defective or too small it may have to be removed.
After surgery
Your son is likely to go home on the same day after surgery. Rarely, if there is some swelling then the doctor may ask you to stay overnight. He should be feeling better in 2 to 3 days.
The doctor may prescribe medication to relieve any pain your child has. Be sure to use it as directed. The stitches will dissolve or be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery.
Follow up
Your son should have his testicle examined for several years after the operation to see whether the testicle is growing well.
But rest assured that your son could lead a normal adult's life.
In cases where the testicle had to be removed, an artificial testicular prosthesis of appropriate size may be inserted when the child is older. These testicular implants are easily available.
Dr. Santosh Karmarkar
Undescended Testis
Undescended Testis
08/01/2015
08/01/2015
×
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Dr. Santosh Karmarkar
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon, B. J. Wadia Children's Hospital.
First Created:
02/23/2001
Last Updated:
08/01/2015
×
References
More from Pediatric Surgery
Absent Testis in Scrotum
Anal Fissure
Anal Itching
Circumcision
Difficulty in Passing Urine
View all from Pediatric Surgery
Ask a Doctor
New Book Arrival
Infection in Children -
Part 2
Order Now
Recommended for you
Rabies Vaccine
Scrub Typhus
Adult Onset Diseases and Malnutrition in First Three Years of Life
Calculators
Fractional Excretion of Sodium
WBC Count
Immunoglobulin Reference Values
FLACC Pain Scale
Dietary Reference Intakes
Videos
Dr. Ira Shah: Opportunistic infection in HIV infected children
Changing Early Infant Diagnosis and its Implications
Dr. Kumud Mehta : Hypertension
View All
Pediatric Oncall Journal
Review Article
Language Development and Television Exposure in Children
Case Reports
Grand Rounds
Right Lung Opacification – What is the diagnosis?
MCQ
MCQs on Neurology
Quiz on Kawasaki Disease
MCQs in Neonatal Resuscitation
MCQS ON PEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES
MCQs on Pediatric Hematology
Disclaimer: The information given by www.pediatriconcall.com is provided by medical and paramedical & Health providers voluntarily for display & is meant only for informational purpose. The site does not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Use of any information is solely at the user's own risk. The appearance of advertisement or product information in the various section in the website does not constitute an endorsement or approval by Pediatric Oncall of the quality or value of the said product or of claims made by its manufacturer.
X
Sign In
Disease A-Z
Health Topics
Alternative Medicine
Developmental Pediatrics
General Pediatrics
Genetics
Immunodeficiencies
Infectious Diseases
Laboratory Medicine
Neonatology
Nutrition
Pediatric Cardiology
View all topics
Featured Articles
Skin allergies
Anal itching
Anaphylaxis
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Cushing's syndrome
Urticaria (hives) and angioedema
Kids Corner
Drugs & Calculators
Medical Calculators
Drug Calculators
Growth Calculators
Renal Calculators
View all Calculators
Drug Index
ACE inhibitor
Alkylating agents
Allergies
View all Drugs
Poisoning Center
Aluminum phosphide
Anti-histaminics
Antidepressants
View all Drugs
Medical Eqipments
Monitors
Pumps
Incubators
View all Eqipments
Diagnostic Aid
Consult & Posts
Ask a Doctor
Diagnostic Dilemma
Question of the Day
Pediatric Blogs
Spot Diagnosis
Grand Rounds
Pedi Poll
Pediatric Oncall Journal
Current Issue
Archives
About the Journal
Submit Article
Books & Apps
Book Store
Pediatric Oncall
Medical Calculators
Vaccine Reminder
Pediatric Oncall Journal
Drug Center
Parenting
CME & Videos
Upcoming Conferences
Conference Abstracts
MCQs
Videos
Vaccine Reminder