Analysis of Factors Associated with Undescended Testis in Patients with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical factors associated with undescended testes (UDT) in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of UDT in male neonates admitted to our institution and underwent surgery for CDH between January 2006 and December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of UDT, and risk factors for UDT were compared between the two groups. Results Among the 66 male neonates with CDH, 16 (24.2%) developed UDT. Patients with UDT had a significantly smaller gestational age (p = 0.026), lower birth weight (p = 0.042), and lower Apgar score at 1 minute (p = 0.016) than those without UDT. They had a significantly higher incidence of large diaphragmatic defects (p = 0.005), received more patch closures (p = 0.020), had a longer mechanical ventilation period (p = 0.034), and longer hospital stay (p = 0.028). Conclusion Our data indicate a strong correlation between CDH and UDT. In patients with CDH, the incidence of UDT was related not only to patients’ prematurity but also to the large diaphragmatic defect, suggesting that an insufficient increase in intra-abdominal pressure during the foetal period may result in the development of UDT in patients with CDH.