426 Conservative Management of Bilateral Undescended Testes in an Adult

Abstract

Abstract Bilateral undescended testes are an uncommon finding in children and even a rarer phenomenon in adults. Undescent of the testes (UDT) has important consequences on fertility, testicular injury, hormonal concerns, testicular torsion, and testicular cancer risk, as well as psychological health. We present the case of a then 21-year-old native caucasian who was referred to the urology clinic with an ‘empty scrotum’ in 2009. On examination, he had secondary sexual characteristics with expected pubertal transformation. Testes were palpated as small smooth ovoid masses in each groin with the inability to be reduced into the scrotum. The basic hormonal screen was within the normal range. Ultrasound of the scrotum and groins identified testes in the left and right inguinal canal, respectively. Semen analysis showed azoospermia. Treatment wise no pharmacological therapies were warranted in view of normal hormonal function. The patient opted for conservative options for fertility in view of likely low success rates in atrophic testes including sperm extraction techniques After detailed discussions around the dilemmas of Bilateral UDT, a decision for a tailored surveillance regimen including ultrasound and self-examination was taken. Psychological counselling was declined by the patient as felt unwarranted. He continues to remain well in himself to date with his wife and adopted children. Greater awareness of testicular self-examination amongst young men should be advocated. With established neonatal screening availability, UDT in adults is seldom heard of but it is a primary risk factor for testicular cancer. Proper counselling advice and prosthesis should be offered proactively.