Studies on cryptorchidism: A comparison of histological findings in the germinative epithelium before and after the second year of life

Abstract

Biopsy specimens of 515 undescended as well as of 237 unilaterally descended testicles were examined histologically. Determinations of spermatogonia content and tubular diameters showed that in the undescended testicles morphological changes are not present during the first and second year of life. At the beginning of the third year of life, however, a statistically significant decrease in the content of spermatogonia and a lack of tubular growth can be detected. Testicular damage was observed in the unilaterally descended gonad too, but occurrs less abruptly and at a later age. The implications of these findings are discussed. Practically, the most relevant conclusion is to urge surgical correction of undescended testes before the end of the second year of life. Biopsy specimens of 515 undescended as well as of 237 unilaterally descended testicles were examined histologically. Determinations of spermatogonia content and tubular diameters showed that in the undescended testicles morphological changes are not present during the first and second year of life. At the beginning of the third year of life, however, a statistically significant decrease in the content of spermatogonia and a lack of tubular growth can be detected. Testicular damage was observed in the unilaterally descended gonad too, but occurrs less abruptly and at a later age. The implications of these findings are discussed. Practically, the most relevant conclusion is to urge surgical correction of undescended testes before the end of the second year of life.