Evaluation of orchiopexy practice patterns in patients with cryptorchidism: a single-centre study

Abstract

Objective: A retrospective study was conducted to determine the age at which orchiopexy was performed, and the laterality and anatomic location of undescended testes (UDTs) or non-palpable testes (NPTs). All documented orchiopexies performed in a large referral centre of Qom province, Qom, Iran during a 5 year period were evaluated.

Materials and methods: A total of 324 patients admitted for surgical correction of cryptorchidism from 2005 to 2009 were eligible for inclusion in our study. The patients were divided into two groups: group A paediatric orchiopexy, and group B adult orchiopexy.

Results: There were 252 paediatric patients (78%), with a mean age of 4.44 years, and 72 adult patients (22%). Forty-three patients (17%) were under 2 years of age and 59 patients (23.5%) were between 2 and 3 years. Right-side involvement was seen in 126 patients (50%), left-side in 91 patients (36%), and bilateral involvement in 35 patients (14%). Unilateral cryptorchidism was seen in 217 patients (85%). Regarding the anatomical location of the testes in unilateral cryptorchidism, superficial inguinal testis was seen in 117 patients (54%).

Conclusion: The higher age of orchiopexies determined from this study compared with the recommended age for surgery, indicates that active interventions are necessary with public health education programs for patients, parents, midwives and general practitioners.

Keywords: Cryptorchidism; Non-palpable testis; Orchiopexy; Undescended testis.