Familial cross-testicular ectopia: a clinical case report

Abstract

Cross or transverse testicular ectopia is a rare congenital condition of the reproductive system that involves the migration of a testicle into the opposite inguinal canal, along with the presence of an inguinal hernia on the same side as the ectopic testicle. In the modern literature, there are discussions about diagnostic issues, particularly the use of ultrasound scanning and magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose this condition. However, it is the results of laparoscopic examination that determine the most accurate criteria for surgical treatment. Many publications discuss the choice of surgical tactics, including separate transabdominal orchiopexy, with or without laparoscopic assistance; transeptal orchiopexy on both sides of the scrotum; and rare cases of orchiopexy for both testicles on one side of the scrotum. Ultimately, the choice of surgery depends on the individual characteristics and needs of the patient, and the surgeon should make the decision based on these factors. The article describes, for the first time, a case of familial testicular ectopia with bilateral inguinal hernia in siblings who underwent surgery using laparoscopic assistance. The method used was single-trocar laparoscopic access with transscrotal transeptal orchiopexy and simultaneous bilateral puncture of the inguinal ring and suture. During the long-term follow-up period (50 and 20 months after surgery) in both siblings, there were no signs of malformation or atrophy of the gonads.