krüptorhidism

Krüptorhidism, also known as undescended testicle, is a condition in which one or both of the testes fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum during fetal development or early childhood. It is a common congenital anomaly observed in male infants, with an incidence rate of approximately 1-4% in full-term newborns, decreasing to about 1% by one year of age as many testes descend spontaneously.

The exact cause of krüptorhidism is not fully understood, but it may involve genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or anatomical abnormalities. The condition can be unilateral (affecting one testicle) or bilateral (affecting both testicles), and the undescended testes are often located along the normal pathway of descent, such as in the inguinal canal or abdomen.

If left untreated, krüptorhidism may lead to complications including subfertility, increased risk of testicular torsion, and a higher likelihood of developing testicular cancer later in life. Therefore, early diagnosis and management are crucial.

Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination and confirmed with imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI. The standard treatment is surgical orchiopexy, performed ideally between 6 months and 1 year of age, to move the undescended testicle into the scrotum and secure it in place. Hormonal therapy may be considered in certain cases but is generally less effective than surgery.

Regular follow-up is important to monitor testicular position and function, and to screen for potential complications. Early intervention enhances the likelihood of normal testicular development, hormonal function, and fertility potential in affected individuals.