When Should Undescended Testicle Treatment Be Performed?

Under normal conditions, male infants' testes descend into the scrotum shortly before or soon after birth. However, in some male infants, one or both testes may not descend into the scrotum even months after birth. This condition is referred to as undescended testis (medically known as cryptorchidism).

The failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum after birth can cause them to remain at a high body temperature, leading to structural impairment. In this article, where I discuss undescended testis—a condition that can significantly increase the risk of both testicular cancer and infertility in future years if treatment is delayed—you will find answers to the question "When should undescended testis treatment be performed?". But first, I would like to share the risk factors with you.

What Causes Undescended Testis? What Are the Risk Factors?

Testicular tissues settle just below the kidneys of male infants in the womb and begin to grow in this region. Over time, as birth approaches, the testes move towards the scrotum. However, this journey of the testes does not proceed smoothly in every baby.

Undescended testis may be encountered due to various reasons such as:

• Exposure of the expectant mother to cigarette smoke during pregnancy,

• Family history of undescended testis,

• Presence of cerebral palsy or abdominal wall defects in the baby,

• Alcohol consumption during pregnancy,

• The expectant mother having diabetes before or during pregnancy,

• Insufficient secretion of hormones that ensure the testes settle in the scrotum.

Undescended Testis Treatment: When and How Should It Be Performed?

Undescended testis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive physical examination of male infants in the early period. The diagnosis must be supported by accurate treatment planning. Studies show that if treatment is performed before the infants turn 1 year old, the risk of health problems associated with undescended testis may decrease.

If the testes have not settled in the scrotum at birth or immediately after, a waiting period may be observed. Usually, the testes descend spontaneously into the scrotum within the 3 to 6-month period. However, if the testes are still not in their ideal position by the time the baby is 6 months old, treatment planning may need to be brought to the agenda.

In many cases, the testis or testes can be felt in the inguinal (groin) region. In this case, the operation is performed by making a very minimal incision in the groin area, and the testes are placed in the scrotum (a procedure often called Orchiopexy). If the testes are in the abdominal region, the surgery is performed using the laparoscopic method.

Post-Operative Care

Mild discomfort may be observed in children in the first 24 hours after the operation. Regular use of analgesics (painkillers) for a few days and minimizing the children's movements may be necessary. It is important to consume plenty of water in the post-operative period.

If the operation was performed through the groin region, tight clothing that constricts the area should be avoided. If prescribed painkillers do not work, if fever is observed after the operation, if the operation site becomes red, or if there is a rise in body temperature, medical attention should be sought immediately without losing time.