Treatment of Undescended Testis and Its Complications

• The most important decision confronting the physician concerning treatment of undescended testis is the age at which he should attempt correction. From 5 years of age to puberty, the undescended testis exhibits a noticeable lag in tubular growth, and after puberty there is interference in maturation of the germinal cells. These changes, however, do not seem to impair fertility if the testes reach the scrotum by puberty. Eight years is a desirable age for treatment, unless clinical complications make earlier intervention necessary. Treatment consists of hormone stimulation, operation (orchiopexy, orchiectomy, or exploration), or replacement medication, or a combination of all.