Cryptorchidism describes the condition in which one
(or rarely both) testicle has failed to descend from the abdomen into the
scrotum of a newborn baby boy. In most cases, the testicle descends
spontaneously in the infant’s first year of life and may even descend and
retract one or more times. However, if it has not permanently descended by the
child’s first birthday, corrective surgery is needed which is normally
performed before the age of three years. The operation performed is called
orchidopexy or testicle fixation and it is performed under general anaesthetic.
A small incision is made in the scrotum and the testicle, along with its
associated blood vessels and nerves, is carefully brought down into its correct
position and secured by means of stitches so that there is no possibility of
retraction. The external wound is then stitched and the child normally recovers
quickly and completely within a short space of time.
The cause of
cryptorchidism is unknown but is believed to be related to hormonal influences
during foetal development. The condition appears to be becoming more prevalent
and there is concern that this is connected with material exposure to environmental
chemicals, some of which mimic hormone activity. However, there is little
available advice for expectant mothers on how they might be able to limit
risks.
It is
essential that an undescended testicle is treated early and well before PUBERTY,
because it cannot function at the prevailing body temperature within the
abdomen. It is felt that the optimum time is between the age of two and three
when the child is less likely to feel embarrassment or suffer psychological
trauma and will forget about the operation as he grows older. An undescended
testicle, even when treated early, increases the risk of testicular cancer
hence it is essential for an affected individual to be vigilant in carrying out
TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION.
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