It is the condition, defined by the absence of one or both testicles from their normal position in the scrotum. Cryptorchidism entails atrophy of the testicle, progressive damage of the sperm, possibility of tortion of the testicle and higher risk of cancer generation.

 

As the testicles are formed near the kidneys of the fetus and gradually descend into the scrotum, a month before birth, the process can be interrupted at any point, by unspecified reasons. In the cases when the testicles can not be palpated in the scrotum during the examination, further Ultrasound or MRI screening maybe required.

 

The surgery of Cryptorchidism should ideally be performed during the second year of age of the male patient. During this surgery, the testicle is released carefully from the anatomic elements that prevent it from descending and is then stabilized at its normal position in the scrotum (Orchidopexy). The higher the initial position of the testicle, the harder the process of Orchidopexy becomes, which sometimes needs to be performed in two stages.

 

During the surgery of Cryptorchidism, absorbent sutures are used and only one day of hospitalization is required. When the operation is performed on the right time, all the effecting risks are considerably minor. However, if the process of Orchidopexy is impossible, then the testicle must be removed. An artificial testicle (prosthesis) can be implanted, after adolescence, for psychological reasons