[Cryptorchidism: current views]

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is a pathological condition which affects up to 6% of newborns. Main etiopathogenetic hypotheses are the hormonal and the dysgenetic one. Ultrasonography is useful in locating testis in the inguinal canal, while in the management of intraabdominal testis, laparoscopy is considered the best diagnostic technique and, in many cases, can be coupled with surgical management. Medical treatment with LH-RH or with hCG or, better, combined (LH-RH+hCG) is recommended before the second year. Impairment of fertility is a complication mainly in subjects with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism. Undescended testis has a risk of malignant degeneration ranging from 3% to 18% and for this reason some authors suggest a gonadal biopsy after puberty.