Cryptorchidism: current concepts

Abstract

Cryptorchism is a common anomaly of masculine genitalia affecting up to 5 % fullterm and up to 45 % preterm male newborns. The incidence of congenital cryptorchism is 1,1–1,4 % among infants aged 1 year and does not significantly change until adulthood. The process of normal testicular descent is divided into two stages mediated by androgens and other factors with involvment of various molecular mechanisms. Palpation remains the main diagnostic method but development of radiological techniques stimulates the research of optimal strategy of accurate diagnosis and the choice of treatment. The recommended age for surgical treatment has gradually decreased and approaches 6 to 9 months in many centres. Hormonal treatment of cryptorchidism is more controversial, but increasing evidence suggests the necessity of hormonal intervention for the prevention of complications of cryptorchidism such as infertility and testicular cancer.