Nonpalpable Testis Research Articles

Referral patterns for undescended testis: A 7 year comparative analysis of primary care providers

Cryptorchidism, or undescended testis (UDT), is identified in 1% of boys by one year of age and carries long term risks of infertility and testicular neoplasia. In 2014, the American Urological Association (AUA) released a guideline statement stating that patients with UDT should be referred to a urologist by 6 months of age in order to facilitate timely surgical correction. This study is the follow-up to a 2010 study assessing referral patterns to our university center from primary care providers. In this new study, we aim to identify changes in referral patterns in response to the establishment of the 2014 AUA guidelines and to understand how our referring physicians stay abreast of current knowledge regarding UDT. A 9 question anonymous survey regarding UDT referral patterns was sent to providers who had previously referred a patient to our pediatric urology practice. The results were categorized by specialty and were compared to the similar survey from 2010. Surveys were sent to 500 physicians with 138 (27.6%) responses received. Less than half of respondents reported that they would refer a boy with unilateral or bilateral palpable UDT by 6 months of age (37.0% and 38.4% respectively). This was not significantly different than the 2010 survey (p=0.68 and 0.27 respectively). Two-thirds of physicians would refer a patient with unilateral nonpalpable UDT within the recommended time frame (68.8%); this was also unchanged from 2010 (p=0.87). There was an improvement in respondents who would refer immediately for bilateral nonpalpable testes from 49.8% in 2010 to 53.6% in 2017 (p=0.01). Residency training was most commonly cited as the primary source of knowledge regarding UDT although 89.3% of respondents citing this were >5 years removed from residency training. Delayed referral patterns were reported by the majority of providers for palpable UDT and by greater than one-third of providers for nonpalpable UDT. There was minimal change in referral patterns between 2010 and 2017 despite the release of the AUA cryptorchidism guidelines in 2014. In both 2010 and 2017, residency training was identified as the primary source of knowledge regarding management of UDT. These findings suggest an unmet need for education regarding contemporary management of UDT for the primary care physicians in our community.

Infantile pure yolk sac tumor of testis - A case report

Intra-abdominal testicular tumors are uncommon in prepubertal children. The present study is a rare case of intra-abdominal testicular yolk sac tumor with elevated Alpha feto protein levels whose diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology and immuniohistochemistry. Serum tumor markers and radiological examination also aids towards the diagnosis of nonpalpable undescended testis. Keywords Undescended testis, Tumor markers

Surgery of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO)

Uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of hydronephrosis in infants and children. Historically, this condition has been approached surgically through a retroperitoneal approach as described by Anderson and Hynes aiming for an open dismembered pyeloplasty. A true evolution of laparoscopy in pediatric urology took place within the last 30 years. Laparoscopy developed from a merely diagnostic tool for non-palpable testes to “interventional” laparoscopy for extirpative surgery. Finally the era of reconstructive pediatric laparoscopic urology started, when in 1995 Peters described the first laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a child. Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty now has become the preferred surgical treatment of UPJO. It offers excellent visualization of the anatomy, accurate anastomotic suturing, thus the precise reconstruction of the UPJ along with good functional outcome. This article aims to provide the current status, indication and operative technique of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for UPJO in infants and children.

Testicular Temperature and the Effects of Orchiopexy in Infants with Cryptorchidism.

Testicular temperature should remain low to maintain optimal function of germ cells; however, information regarding testicular temperature in infants and the effect of cryptorchidism and its correction, including laparoscopic staged Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy (LSFSO), is limited. A total of 82 infants with unilateral palpable cryptorchidism, 24 with nonpalpable testes who underwent unilateral LSFSO and 20 with scrotal hydrocele were included. Ultrasonographic determination of testicular volume and measurement of testicular temperature but not scrotal surface temperature using a Coretemp CTM204® (Terumo, Tokyo) were performed before and 12 months after orchiopexy. The effects of the route of testicular delivery, conventionally through a new hiatus medial to the inferior epigastric vessels or through the transinguinal approach, were investigated in the LSFSO cases. Undescended testicular volume was significantly increased after orchiopexy (0.80 ml to 0.92 ml, p <0.0001). The preoperative testicular temperature (35.1C) was significantly higher than that of the control (34.4C, p <0.0001), and significant decreases in testicular temperature occurred after orchiopexy (34.3C, p <0.0001). A multivariate analysis showed that a decrease in testicular temperature was a factor associated with postoperative testicular development. Twelve months after LSFSO, transinguinal approach was shown to be more effective in decreasing the testicular temperature than the conventional approach (34.4 and 35.3C, respectively, p <0.05). Orchiopexy is effective in correcting the high-temperature environment caused by cryptorchidism. In the case of nonpalpable testes treated by LSFSO, transinguinal fixation is more effective than the conventional approach in reducing testicular temperature, but a longer followup period is necessary to draw a final conclusion.

Anatomical location of undescended testes and comparison between their size at different anatomical locations: A cross sectional study

Introduction: Undescended testis (UDT) or cryptorchidism is a common childhood condition in which a boy is born without having one or both testes in their scrotum. It is a very frequent clinical finding in boys, with a prevalence of about 2-4%. The inguinoscrotal phase of testicular descent normally takes place in the last trimester of pregnancy. The regulation of prenatal testicular descent in humans is not fully understood, but numerous genetic and endocrinal factors are thought to have been involved. Preterm boys have been described to have a higher rate of UDT. The classification of UDT is performed according to palpable or nonpalpable testis. If the testis is located inside the normal path of descent, the testis is called ’intra-abdominal’, for those located in the abdomen is called ’intracanalicular’, for those located between the internal and external rings or ’suprascrotal’, for those located between the entrance of the scrotum and the external ring. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of anatomical location of undescended testis in pediatric patients undergoing orchidopexy as well as to compare the mean size of undescended testis at different anatomical location in pediatric patients undergoing orchidopexy as a secondary objective. Methods: It’s a cross sectional study of 94 patients with total 110 testes as per inclusion criteria. Study was performed at pediatric surgery department of Liaquat National university hospital Karachi, Pakistan for a duration of eight months. Orchidopexy was performed under general anesthesia as a surgical day care procedure. At orchiopexy, the outcome variables i.e. location and size of the testis was noted. The size of the testis was measured in anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions vernier caliper, graduated in mm. The size of testis was calculated by modified Lambert’s formula (0.71xlengthxwidth2). All the collected data were entered into the proforma attached at the end. Results: Mean±SD of age was 4.29±2.19 with C.I (3.38…….4.74) years. Mean±SD of size of testis was 425.68±244.43 with C.I. (375.89……..475.47) mm. In location of testis 4 (4.2%) was located at intra-abdominal, 15 (16%) at intracanalicular and 75 (79.8%) was located at distal to superficial ring. Mean size of testis in intra-abdominal location was 276.29±145.47, intra-canalicular 367.89±196.15, distal to superficial ring was 442.27±54.08 and non-significant P-value was found i.e. (p=0.264). Conclusion: No significant difference was found between mean size of testis and location of undescended testis. The most common location was distal to superficial ring. Keyword: Testes; Undescended; Anatomical Location; Orchidopexy; Anatomical Location

Comparison of the perspectives of the pediatric surgeons and pediatric urologists in management of cryptorchidism in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives:To evaluate the variability in perspectives between pediatric surgeons and pediatric urologists in managing cryptorchidism.Methods:We conducted this survey among pediatric surgeons and pediatric urologists managing cryptorchidism in Saudi Arabia in October 2020. We distributed a questionnaire to 187 consultants using the Google forms platform. We collected data related to the consultant’s experience, preoperative management, management of nonpalpable testes, management of palpable undescended testes, management of the cryptorchidism in special situations.Results:The response rate was 77% for pediatric surgeons (n=77) and 46% for pediatric urologists (n=40). The number of cases managed by each specialty per year differed significantly (p=0.02); however, there was no significant difference in their experience (p=0.37). The preferred age for orchidopexy was 6-12 months for both specialties. Pediatric surgeons tend to prescribe preoperative ultrasound more frequently for nonpalpable testes (p=0.05). Laparoscopy was the preferred surgical approach by both specialties. Management of intra-abdominal testes not reaching the contralateral internal ring differed between groups (p<0.001), and it was related to the number of procedures performed annually (p=0.03). Both groups responded differently to the management of unsatisfactory testicular position after orchidopexy (p<0.001). Pediatric surgeons managed it with either observation or re-operative inguinal orchidopexy; however, most pediatric urologists preferred re-operative inguinal orchidopexy. This response was affected by the number of procedures performed annually (p=0.04).Conclusion:In Saudi Arabia, practicing pediatric surgeons and pediatric urologists have different perspectives in the management of cryptorchidism. The results of this survey demonstrated the need to establish national guidelines to manage patients with cryptorchidism.

Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy for intra-abdominal cryptorchid testis: a single institution experience.

Fowler-Stephens Laparoscopic Orchiopexy (FSLO) permits the mobilization of Intra-Abdominal Testis (IAT) to the scrotal position after spermatic vessel ligation. We reported our experience of FSLO for IAT. The charts of all boys who underwent a FSLO were retrospectively reviewed. Data were analysed for demographic data, procedure, complications and follow-up results. From January 2008 to June 2016, 160 laparoscopies for Non Palpable Testis (NPT) were performed at a mean age of 3,2 years. 61% of patients had a right NPT, while 6% were bilateral. In 64 cases, an IAT was found: 20 were managed by FSLO with a two-stage procedure in 11 patients. There were no differences in hospitalisations; one patient had a prolonged ileus. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 8 years. Of the 20 patients who underwent FSLO, testicular atrophy developed in three; the remaining testes were in the scrotal position, with normal consistency. FSLO was applied in 31% of IAT. The overall success rate of the technique was 85 %. The percentage of atrophy associated after spermatic vessels interruption appears to provide a good chance of testicular survival.

Clinical Characteristics, Ultrasonographic Findings, and Treatment of Pediatric Transverse Testicular Ectopia: A 10-Year Retrospective Review

To evaluate the clinical data, ultrasonic features, treatment, and long-term outcome of transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) in children. Children with TTE were enrolled in the study between November 2009 and August 2019 in Shenzhen Children's Hospital in China. Clinical information, including demographiccharacteristics, clinical manifestations, TTE-associated anomalies, ultrasonographic findings, and surgical procedures, were collected from all patients. Patients were re-evaluated at the end of 4 weeks and 6 months after the operation. A total of 16 cases were enrolled and underwent surgeries, all patients had undescended testis with contralateral inguinal hernia. The ultrasonic findings showed two testicles in 15 cases and no testes in 1 case. Müllerian ducts remnants were found by laparoscopy in 6 cases or by ultrasound in one case. Sixteen cases were treated with laparoscopy orchidopexy or laparoscopy assisted trans-septal orchidopexy-inguinal exploration. After surgery, 16 patients had both testicles in an orthotopic position and with equal size, with normal blood flow. TTE should be suspected in patients with nonpalpable undescended testis and contralateral inguinal hernia. The contralateral processus vaginalis sac occurs in all cases of TTE. Ultrasonography is essential for an early diagnosis of TTE. Laparoscopy-assisted surgery is safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapy for TTE.

Comparison of imaging and laparoscopy in diagnosis of non-palpable undescended testes.

Objective: To assess the accuracy of ultrasound and MRI in comparison with laparoscopy in the detection of non-palpable undescended testes. Patients and Methods: 42 patients with non-palpable undescended testis were submitted to US, MRI and laparoscopy from October 2014 to October 2020 in the urology department of Al-Sader Medical City, Najaf. Laparoscopic findings were compared with US and MRI results. Results: Sensitivity was 60%, 70% and 100% and specificity was 30%, 50% and 100% for US, MRI and laparoscopy, respectively. Conclusion: Laparoscopy is more superior to US and MRI in the detection of non-palpable undescended testis.

Study of Clinically Nonpalpable Testis

Undescended testis or cryptorchidism is a common genital problem in boys. Non palpable testis represents 25% of all undescended testis. Non palpable testis presents a unique diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Non palpable testis should be treated to enhance future chances of fertility and to place the testis at a site where it can be easily palpated because such a testis has an increased susceptibility to malignant degeneration. Aims: • Toestablishdiagnosticefficacyandaccuracy in identifying clinically non-palpable testis. • To establish therapeutic role of Open and laparoscopic management of non-palpable testis. Methods and Material: Between 2015 and 2019, 25 boys with 28 clinically non-palpable testis, aged 16 months to 65 years, underwent operative intervention in a single surgical unit at our institute. Out of the 25 patients, 22 had unilateral (11 leftsided, 11 right-sided) and three had bilateral non palpable testis. The testis was considered non palpable after thorough clinical examination, ultrasonography and examination under anaesthesia failed to detect it. Keywords: Nonpalpable Testis

Yolk sac tumor in intraabdominal undescended testis in a child with normal serum alpha-fetoprotein: a rare case report

BackgroundIntraabdominal testicular tumors are rare in prepubertal children, and most of the cases reported are intraabdominal testicular teratoma. The present study reports the first case of intraabdominal testicular yolk sac tumor (YST) with normal preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and diagnosis confirmed on histopathology and immunohistochemistry.Case PresentationA 2-year-old boy presented with bilateral nonpalpable undescended testes (UDT) and abdominal mass. Preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein was normal. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan of whole abdomen revealed a heterogeneous mildly enhancing space-occupying lesion in midline and left side of pelvis, left intraabdominal testis and nonvisualization of right testis. During surgery, the mass was found to involve right testis with one turn of torsion of its pedicle. Derotation of testis was performed, and right radical orchiectomy was performed. Left orchiopexy was also performed at the same time. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed diagnosis of intraabdominal testicular YST. There was no recurrence or distant metastasis at 12-month follow-up after surgery.ConclusionIn a case of nonpalpable UDT and abdominal mass/pain, one should always consider possibility of intraabdominal testicular tumor and should investigate the case with serum tumor markers and ultrasound/CECT abdomen. Further, histology of tumor helps in guiding treatment of condition.

Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome: Baseline Characteristics and Long-Term Evolution of Two Pediatric Cases with Rare Presentation

Background and Aims&#x0D; Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is characterized by the presence of a thin or absent pituitary stalk in association with a hypoplastic or aplastic anterior pituitary or an ectopic neurohypophysis [1,2]. The phenotype associated with PSIS has a high incidence of various combinations of hormonal deficiencies, sometimes associated with extra-pituitary birth defects [1]. The aim of our study is to illustrate the heterogeneity of PSIS through a complete description of the clinical, biological and imagistic differences between our cases.&#x0D; Case Reports&#x0D; We describe two rare pediatric cases. The first case was a 6-year-old boy admitted to our department with polyuro-polydipsic syndrome and underdeveloped external genitals. He had a history of neonatal micropenia and a family medical history of panhypopituitarism and midline malformations. Physical examination revealed normal stature (height: 117 cm, −0.4 SDS), obesity (BMI: 25.2 Kg/mp, over 97th percentile), micropenia (stretched penile length: 3 cm) and non-palpable testes. Initially, his urine output was 5000 mL/24 h, with a low urine specific gravity of 1005–1010, and no increase after water deprivation test, with an appropriate response after desmopresin administration. He presented normoglycemia. Serum gonadotropin (FSH, LH) and testosterone levels were low, with no response after GnRH-analogue stimulation test. IGF-1 levels were low-normal. His Copeptin value was decreased. Pituitary MRI showed anterior pituitary hypoplasia, absence of the pituitary stalk and neurohypophysis.&#x0D; The second case was a 4-year-old girl referred to our service for growth retardation. She had a history of neonatal prolonged jaundice and intermittent seizures, for which she was prescribed phenobarbital for 2 years. Her physical examination described short stature (height: 90.5 cm, −3.3 SD), underweight (BMI: 15.87 Kg/m2, 15–25th percentile), head dysmorphic features: medial epicanthal fold, depressed nasal bridge, anteverted nares, ogival palate. She had a bone age of 2 years. The initial evaluation diagnosed severe GH deficiency, and during the next 3 years of follow-up she developed ACTH, TSH and FSH-LH deficiencies. MRI examination indicated anterior pituitary hypoplasia, absence of pituitary stalk and ectopic neurohypophysis.&#x0D; Discussion&#x0D; Central diabetes insipidus is rarely reported in patients with PSIS (0–4%) [1,3]. Although GH deficiency was found almost ubiquitous in PSIS, our first patient had no growth retardation. Normal linear growth despite abnormal GH secretion was also reported [4]. Neonatal cholestasis was linked to ACTH deficiency, which can also be a cause of recurrent hyponatremia [1]. There were no signs of ACTH deficiency or hyponatremia in our second patient in the neonatal period. Few reports showed cases of PSIS that were diagnosed with acute epileptic seizures accompanied by hyponatremia [5]. The rapidly progressive evolution to combined pituitary deficiency observed in PSIS cases [4] with neonatal features was also recognized in our patients.&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; The phenotype associated with PSIS can be highly heterogeneous. It is important to increase the awareness of PSIS, especially in the neonatal period when the features of PSIS can be easily overlooked. We also emphasize the importance of patient follow-up as an essential part of an adequate management.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Scrotal versus Inguinal Orchidopexy on Postoperative Pain.

To compare the impact of orchidopexy approach (scrotal vs inguinal) on analgesic requirements, postoperative pain scores and complication rates. A superiority randomized controlled trial including boys 10 to 95 months of age at surgery, diagnosed with palpable undescended testis, was conducted. Patients with nonpalpable or bilateral undescended testis, previous inguinal surgery on the ipsilateral side and concurrent procedures were excluded. Block randomization with 1:1 allocation ratio and a standardized anesthesia protocol were employed. The primary outcome was postoperative pain and analgesic use in-hospital and at home using the validated pain scales FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Behavioural Scale), CHEOPS (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale), PPPM (Parents Postoperative Pain Measure) and TPPPS (Toddler-Preschooler Postoperative Pain Scale). Secondary outcomes included operative time, conversion and success rates, and complications. An intention to treat protocol was followed. We enrolled 173 patients, and 12 withdrew. Of the 161 patients who completed followup, 80 had scrotal orchidopexy and 81 inguinal orchidopexy. In-hospital use of ibuprofen (p=0.02) and acetaminophen (p <0.01), as well as FLACC (p <0.01) and CHEOPS (p=0.04) pain scores were slightly higher in patients who underwent orchidopexy. No difference in mean operative time and median at-home administration of analgesic was noted. The conversion rate was 24% (19/80). Of these, 13 (68%) were canalicular testes. The overall complication rate was 4% (6/161): 1 testicular atrophy, 3 re-ascents and 2 wound infections. Of these, 5 underwent scrotal orchidopexy and 1 had inguinal orchidopexy (wound infection). Even though in-hospital mean postoperative pain scores and analgesic consumption were slightly lower for scrotal orchidopexy cases, the pain levels were mild across all scales. Median at-home analgesic use and pain scores were similar for both groups, as well as operative time and complication rates. Scrotal orchidopexy is an effective alternative to inguinal orchidopexy for low-lying undescended testis, as 68% of cases that needed conversion were canalicular testes.

Testicular hypertrophy as predictor of contralateral nonpalpable testis among Chinese boys: An 18-year retrospective study

ObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of contralateral testis hypertrophy for predicting the fate of nonpalpable testis in Chinese boys at different ages. MethodsThe data of patients who presented with unilateral impalpable testis and who underwent laparoscopy at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2018 were reviewed. The boys were divided into four groups: age-matched volunteers with no testicular abnormalities represented the control group (group I), boys with palpable undescended testis (group II), boys with nonpalpable testis (NPT)/viable testis (VT) (group III), and boys with NPT/non-viable testis (NVT) group (group IV). Scrotal testes were prospectively measured by ultrasonography for volume and size, and diagnostic laparoscopy was performed to determine the state of the cryptorchid testis. ResultsThe mean contralateral testicular volume and length in the boys with an absent testis was 0.78mL and 17mm compared with 0.67mL and 15mm in the boys with a testis present and 0.63mL and 15mm in the controls, respectively (P<0.05). The predictive accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for an absent testis were 64.9%, 75%, and 49%, respectively, for volume and 64.2%, 56.3%, and 76.4%, respectively for length at the optimal cutoff value of 0.65mL volume and 16.55mm length. Contralateral testis volume was the most accurate in predicting monorchism in 0–2-year-olds (sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 70%, accuracy: 73.1%) and the contralateral testicular length was most accurate for 4–6-years-old (sensitivity: 68.6%; specificity: 77.8%; accuracy: 72.2%). We also included 29 patients with bilateral undescended testis (UDT) and with unilateral nonpalpable. Cutoff values for testicular volume and length were 0.6mL (sensitivity: 81.8%, specificity: 88.9%, accuracy: 86.2%) and 13.5mm (sensitivity: 63.6%, specificity: 77.8%, accuracy: 77.8%). ConclusionThe present results exclusively obtained from laparoscopic exploration suggest that a testis volume of>0.65mL or a testis length of>16.55mm could predict monarchism with an accuracy of about 65%. In younger patients aged 0–2 years and 4–6 years, the overall predictive accuracy increases to about 73% but laparoscopic exploration is still required.

A rare case of discontinuous type splenogonadal fusion in a 13 year old boy: a case report and review of literature

Splenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare developmental anomaly in which an abnormal connection between the splenic tissue and gonads or mesonephric derivatives is present. This entity often presents with scrotal mass, inguinal hernia, or cryptorchidism. Less than 200 cases have been reported since it was first described in 1883. It can be of continuous and discontinuous type based on the presence of a band of connecting splenic tissue. Report a rare case of discontinuous type of SGF in an adolescent male presenting as nonpalpable testis. On evaluation, ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging of abdomen and pelvis, his left scrotal testis was atrophied and right intra-abdominal undescended testis. This is the first reported case of SGF from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Laparoscopy was demonstrated to be the only accurate exploratory procedure for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of SGF with non‑palpable testis.

The usefulness of ultrasound examination in detecting testicular nubbin in Japanese boys with non-palpable testes

In the case of non-palpable testes, we often find a small nodule which is called "testicular nubbin (TN)" in scrotum or inguinal canal. There is no agreement about the treatment for TN. This time we investigated whether or not ultrasound examination (US) can be a useful modality for detecting TN. We recruited 66 boys who were diagnosed with non-palpable testes and who had undergone US studies. We examined age, affected side, size of the unaffected side, presence of testicular hypertrophy, and findings from US studies. Radiologists or sonographers familiar with examination of testicular nubbin carried out the ultrasound studies. When TN is detected in a patient, preservation or excision of the TN was chosen by their families. Sixty-six boys and 76 testes were examined. Thirty-four testes (44.7%) were diagnosed as having TN, 39 (51.3%) were undescended testes, and 3 (3.9%) were retractile testes. The median age of all participants was 13 months (range: 2-118 months). The mean ages of patients with TN, undescended testes, and retractile testes were 7.6 months, 14.5 months and 55 months, respectively. The size ratio between the affected and unaffected sides in cases of TN was 0.144 (range; 0.03-0.48) and in cases of undescended testes was 0.99 (0.46-1.2). Thirty cases of TN (88.2%) had testicular hypertrophy on the unaffected side. Only one case of TN underwent excision; viable cells were not seen. A high US region was observed in 31 (91.1%) cases with TN. US was a useful modality for detecting TN. From this study, TN can be detected if the size ratio between the affected and unaffected sides is<0.4 and a high US region is seen. If TN can be detected using US, preservation can recommended, preventing unnecessary surgeries. However, there is no evidence on the required duration and interval of follow-up for these cases and examination will be needed over a period of time.

A case of testicular atrophy associated with cystic fibrosis.

SummaryAn 8-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis came to our attention for an empty scrotum. General physical examination showed a normal penis and hypoplastic scrotum with non-palpable testes bilaterally. Routine blood investigations showed low levels of LH, testosterone, inhibin B and antiMullerian hormone and elevated levels of FSH. Karyotype was normal. An abdominal ultrasound confirmed the absence of the testes into the scrotum, in the inguinal region and abdomen. At laparoscopy were noted bilaterally hypotrophic spermatic vessels, absence of the vas deferens and a closed inner ring. Inguinal exploration found out a small residual testis and histological examination showed fibrotic tissue. This is the first case of testicular atrophy associated to CFTR mutation described. The process that led to bilateral testicular and vas deferens atrophy remains unexplained, a possible influence of CFTR dysfunction cannot be ruled out, although it is possible that these conditions are independently associated.Learning points:Cystic fibrosis produces a multisystemic disease which can affect also the reproductive tract.Nearly 97–98% of male patients are infertile because of congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens.A correlation between cystic fibrosis and bilateral testicular atrophy could be possible.

Laparoscopic orchidopexy and its outcome in the management of nonpalpable testis

Background: Management of impalpable testis represents a significant diagnostic and operative challenge. The aim of this work was to present the superior value of laparoscopy as a single tool for the diagnosis and treatment of impalpable testis.Methods: 51 patients with 58 nonpalpable were included in our study. Study design was case series. We have conducted this study at Surat Municipal Institute for Medical Education and Research, Surat. For each patient laparoscopy orchidopexy was performed and either testis or blind ending cord structure are searched for. The testis either brought down to the scrotum or removed depending on the condition. The patients were followed up for 12 months.Results: On diagnostic laparoscopy the number of testis found normal 54, followed by 3 hypoplastic and 1 atrophic. There were 8 testis found to be present at high intraabdominal (&gt;2 cm from deep ring), 46 were present at low intra-abdominal (&lt;2 cm from deep ring), intracanalicular 4. Postoperative complication included minor wound infection in one patient, none of them were diagnosed scrotal hematoma, port site hernia, and testicular atrophy.Conclusions: Laparoscopy seems to offer a safe and reliable diagnostic and therapeutic option to patients with nonpalpable testis. Intraabdominal dissection allows more testis to be brought down to scrotum. Laparoscopy clearly demonstrate the anatomy and provide visual information upon which a definitive decision can be made.

Distinguishing between hidden testes and anorchia: the role of endocrine evaluation in infancy and childhood

Non-palpable testes remain a diagnostic challenge, often involving exploratory laparoscopy. We evaluated the diagnostic value of a wide range of reproductive hormones in order to distinguish between bilateral cryptorchidism and bilateral anorchia. In this retrospective study, we identified and included 36 boys with non-palpable testes (20 with cryptorchidism, 3 with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH), and 13 with anorchia) at first examination during childhood. Information on karyotype, phenotype, surgical results from laparoscopy, and biochemistry was retrieved from patient files. We compared serum concentrations of AMH, inhibin B, FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, and hCG stimulation testing in cryptorchid and anorchid boys to serum concentrations in a large, age-matched control group. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to determine the cut-off values of each reproductive hormone as a predictor of the presence of functional testicular tissue. Concentrations of AMH in 0-1 year olds: ≥155 pmol/L and >1-15 year olds: ≥19 pmol/L, inhibin B (≥22 pg/mL and ≥4 pg/mL), FSH (≤28.9 IU/L and ≤20.3 IU/L) and hCG-induced testosterone (>1-15 year olds: ≥2 nmol/L) were significantly sensitive and specific markers in predicting the presence of functional testicular tissue in boys with non-palpable testes. In infancy, anorchid infants had significantly elevated gonadotropin levels, while CHH had low levels. Our findings suggest that laparoscopy may not be necessary in all boys with non-palpable testes if reproductive hormones unequivocally confirm the presence of functional testicular tissue. However, proving the absence may still be a diagnostic challenge.

Müller's Canals Persistence Syndrome: About 2 Cases

The syndrome of persistence of Mullerian derivatives is a rare form of internal male pseudohermaphrodism. It is characterized by the presence of the uterus, tubes and upper vagina in a boy otherwise normally virilized with a karyotype 46 XY. It is the consequence of a deficit in anti-Mullerian hormone or an abnormality of its receptors. We report a case of intraoperative discovery during a diagnostic laparoscopy for non-palpable cryptorchid testes.