The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testis)

Failure of the testis to descend into the scrotum is an important topic in childhood urological follow-up.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testis)?

Cryptorchidism is the incomplete descent of the gonads into the scrotum during the intrauterine period. 3% of term babies and 30% of preterm babies are born with an undescended testis. By the end of the first year, the rate drops to 1% in term babies.

An undescended testis may be intra-abdominal, inguinal, or in an ectopic location. It can be unilateral or bilateral. A non-palpable testis requires genetic and endocrine testing.

Spontaneous descent is not expected after the 6th month, and orchiopexy is indicated. Surgery is generally performed between 6-18 months. Late treatment increases the risks of infertility and testicular tumor; annual follow-up is recommended after orchiopexy.

Symptoms

Inability to feel one or both testicles in the scrotum
Unilateral hypoplastic scrotum
Palpable testis in the groin
Hypospadias or micropenis also seen
Consideration of ambiguous genitalia in bilateral cases
Small testis size in adolescence

Risk Factors

Prematurity
Low birth weight
Family history
Maternal smoking
Hypospadias coexistence
Genetic and endocrine syndromes

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When testis is not felt in the scrotum on neonatal examination
  • When undescended testis persists at 6 months
  • Urgent evaluation in bilateral non-palpable testis
  • When scrotal asymmetry is noticed in adolescence
  • Groin pain or sudden swelling (suspicion of torsion)

Treatment Methods

01
Serial examination to follow descent
02
Hormonal and genetic workup in bilateral cases
03
Laparoscopy for non-palpable testis
04
Orchiopexy (ideal between 6-18 months)
05
Postoperative annual follow-up
06
Fertility and tumor screening in adolescence

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Newborn Care

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The newborn period is a critical phase that requires attentive care of the umbilical stump, temperature regulation, feeding, monitoring of jaundice and screening tests.

Vaccination Schedule

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The Turkish Ministry of Health national vaccination schedule arranges the immunization program from birth to adulthood. Timely and complete vaccination is critical in protecting community immunity.

Jaundice in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborns) presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes. The vast majority of cases are physiological and are easily treated with phototherapy.

Diarrhoea in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Acute diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more loose stools per day. In infants it is most often caused by viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus); dehydration may lead to serious complications.

Fever Management in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Fever in children (38°C and above) is the body's defense mechanism against viral or bacterial infection. Most fevers resolve spontaneously in 3-5 days; however, some conditions require urgent medical evaluation.

Cough in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Cough is the most common symptom in children and is mostly due to viral upper respiratory infections. Cough lasting more than 3 weeks or with characteristic sounds requires detailed evaluation.

Bronchiolitis

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Supportive care with hydration, nasal suctioning, and oxygen if hypoxic is the mainstay; routine bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not recommended per AAP/NICE guidelines.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Croup is a viral inflammation of the larynx and trachea presenting with a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor. It mostly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.