Urol. praxi. 2019;20(2):70-74 | DOI: 10.36290/uro.2019.006

Cryptorchidism in childhood and adulthood

MUDr. Jan Šarapatka¹, MUDr. Romana Šarapatková², MUDr. Jan Vrána¹, doc. MUDr. Oldřich Šmakal, Ph.D.¹

¹ Urologická klinika Fakultní nemocnice a Lékařské fakulty Univerzity Palackého v Olomouci

² Interní a endokrinologická ambulance Salvus Medeco, s. r. o., Olomouc

Cryptorchidism is the most commonly diagnosed developmental birth defect of external genitalia in new born male babies. The incidence of cryptorchidism is estimated to be between 1–3 % of boys born after full-term pregnancies. However, the incidence is much higher in the case of boys born prematurely (15–30 %). Descent of the testicles occurs in two stages, of which the second stage is dependent on androgens. Dependence on androgens also applies to the development of gametes, which continues after birth. Cryptorchidism is currently regarded as endocrinopathy, where the hormonal defect results in an abnormal process of development, which leads to subfertility and testicular neoplasia. Undescended testicles are treated surgically. Promptly conducted orchidopexy reduces the risks associated with cryptorchidism. In the case of post-pubertal males with cryptorchidism, an orchiectomy is recommended.

Keywords: cryptorchidism, endocrinopathy, orchiopexy

Received: February 28, 2019; Accepted: March 20, 2019; Prepublished online: March 20, 2019; Published: May 17, 2019  Show citation