Undescended Testicle
Both testicles are in the abdominal cavity before birth in male babies. As the baby continues to develop, the testicles begin to descend into the bag. After the intra-abdominal cavity, they pass through the inguinal region and settle in the bag close to birth. Rarely, this continues in the first 6 months. If the testicles are not in the sac when a newborn boy is born, this is called a true undescended testis. This is one of the most common congenital problems associated with the genitals of male infants and affects approximately 1% of infants who reach 1 year of age. It often happens on one side, sometimes on both sides. The important feature of the true undescended testis is that one or both testicles are never in the bag. Undescended testis is seen 3 times more in premature babies than in normal babies, and especially in these babies, some of the testicles descend until the sixth month. If there is still an undescended testicle condition after the first 6 months, this condition must be treated. The most important method in the evaluation of testicles in infants is physical examination. However, when there are nonpalpable testicles in both inguinal canals, genetic evaluations should be added to the diagnostic methods. The most common cause of adult infertility in men is untreated infants with this disease. The earlier the operation is planned, the less this risk is. The optimal timing is between 6 months and 1 year. Treatment should be planned until the end of the age of 2 at the latest. If there is also a hernia on the side of the undescended testis, surgery should be planned for a 1-month-old baby without waiting, if necessary, since hernia is a disease that should always be planned as soon as the diagnosis is made. Although it does not show any symptoms, in 65-70% of babies with undescended testicles, hernia is also seen during surgery and surgical treatment is performed. With proper timing, there is a success rate of over 90% after surgery. In addition, an important issue that should not be forgotten is that the risk of developing cancer in the future in cases with undescended testicles is 15-20 times higher than in normal men.
Undescended testis surgeries are in the “Day Surgery” group. Patients can go home within 2-3 hours after the operation. This is a very comfortable practice, especially for babies and families with hospital phobia. The fact that the child and the family are in the environment they are used to also provides psychological relief.
Another condition that is often confused with undescended testis by families is shy testis. In the case of shy testicles, the testicles are occasionally seen in the bag. However, it may not be felt by escaping upwards to the groin, especially in cases such as the effect of cold, ultrasound or touching the child’s bag. Shy testicles are often palpable when viewed in the bathroom or in febrile illness or while sleeping. Shy testicle is not a disease, so no treatment is needed. However, if there is a situation such as shy testicles, pediatric surgery control is required in 6 months to 1 year periods.
