Management of the impalpable testis in children / 中华男科学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the management of the impalpable testis in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From April 2003 to August 2005, 36 children aged 20 months to 8 years with impalpable testes underwent inguinal and laparoscopy explorations. The clinical data were reviewed, including the indications of laparoscopy and inguinal explorations and the correspondence between the ultrasonic and surgical</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 36 cases (36 / 361 ) of impalpable testis (41 testes), laparoscopy and inguinal explorations revealed 18 results. testes to be vanishing ones, 21 located intra-abdominally and 2 scrotal nubbins. Manifestations were divided into 4 types according to the laparoscopic findings, and 9 testes fell into Type I, 9 Type II, 13 Type III and 10 Type IV. Orchidopexies were performed by traditional and laparoscopic techniques. The positive diagnoses by ultrasound accounted for 75% (27/36). The volumes of the contralateral testes of the cryptorchid children were larger than those with intra-abdominal testes and testicular nubbins. One case of testicular atrophy was detected by ultrasound in the follow-up period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Laparoscopy should be performed as a routine in children with impalpable testes. Children with Type II testes need not undergo inguinal exploration. Inguinal and scrotal explorations are necessary for children with Type I testes. Preoperative ultrasonic examination of the contralateral testis helps to evaluate vanishing testes or testicular nubbins.</p>