Urologie pro praxi 5/2004
Kryptorchizmus
CRYPTORCHIDISM Cryptorchidism is associated with congenital absence of the testicle in the scrotum. We differenciate an undescended, ectopic or vanishing testis. It is detected in 3.4–5,8 % of full-term male newborns. The physiology and the pathophysiology of the testicular descent are described. The diagnostics is based on physical examination, including palpation in Turkish sitting position, which differentiates the palpable or impalpable testes and the retractile testis. The therapy of the palpable undescended testis is either hormonal, with a limited efficacy, or surgical (orchiopexis). The impalpable testis is indicated for a diagnostic laparoscopy, which is the most precise method to detect the high inguinal, intraabdominal or vanishing testis. The therapy should be terminated by 24 months of life at the latest. Infertility is mostly associated with bilateral cryptorchidism and the malignant potencial of these testes is higher. Key words: cryptorchidism, undescended testis, laparoscopy, orchiopexis, HCG.
