The prevalence, postnatal descent, and complications of undescended testes among children who underwent neonatal circumcision in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background/Purpose The prevalence, age at postnatal descent, and age at which complications set in and, therefore, prevented by orchidopexy in undescended testes are controversial. This study sought to determine the prevalence, age at postnatal descent, and age at which complications occurred in undescended testes. Methods A prospective study was done on children who underwent neonatal circumcision at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, and Leadeks Medical Centre, both in Edo state, Nigeria, between January 2002 and December 2007. Those diagnosed with undescended testes were recruited for the study and followed up at the surgical outpatient clinic for 2 years; findings were documented on a structured proforma. Results A total of 178 neonates aged between 5 and 28 days (mean, 7.6 ± 4.2 days) and mean weight 3.9 ± 1.8 kg among 6180 children circumcised had 186 undescended testes. On follow-up, 65 (34.9%) testes mainly among preterm neonates ( P = .2450) fully descended within 7 months with no testicular descent recorded thereafter. Prevalence rates of 2.9% in neonates and 1.8% at 2 years old were recorded. Reduction in testicular volume, epididymoorchitis, and testicular torsion were recorded in 52 (28%) undescended testes between 12 and 24 months on follow-up. Conclusion Neonates with undescended testis should be observed for postnatal descent at least 7 months but may be offered orchidopexy before 1 year.