Transverse testicular ectopia: a three-case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the embryologic, clinical, and therapeutic features of transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) and to review the literature on similar cases.

Methods: Three cases of TTE were discovered accidentally during surgery for inguinal hernia and undescended testes; a persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) was associated in 1 case. We also performed a literature search for other reports of TTE.

Results: A conservative surgical approach was chosen: transseptal orchiopexy was preferred in 2 cases and the Müllerian remnant was preserved in the first case.

Conclusions: TTE is a rare anomaly that usually presents as a unilateral cryptorchidism and a contralateral descendent testis with an associated hernia. In suspected cases, laparoscopy and ultrasonographic evaluation may be helpful in diagnosing this condition before surgery. Surgery, transseptal orchiopexy, is highly recommended to manage TTE especially when vasa deferentia are fused. In case of PMDS, the authors preferred preserving Müllerian remnants because of the risk of vas deferens and testicular blood supply damage. Recently, laparoscopy is useful for both diagnosing and management of TTE and associated anomalies.