The remnant orchiectomy.
OBJECTIVE
We examined and characterized the histological features of remnant testicular tissue distal to the internal inguinal ring in boys who underwent exploration for a nonpalpable testis.


METHODS
The medical records and histology of 48 boys (50 remnants) who underwent exploration for a nonpalpable testis during a 10-year period were reviewed in detail.


RESULTS
Remnant tissue was characterized by evidence of ischemia and necrosis (scar, calcification, hemosiderin and hyalinization) suggestive of a vascular accident. Viable germ cells were identified in 5 remnants.


CONCLUSIONS
A 10% incidence of viable germ cells in remnant testicular tissue warrants exploration and removal of all remnant tissue in boys who undergo exploration for a nonpalpable testis.
Rozanski
T A
TA
Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Wojno
K J
KJ
Bloom
D A
DA
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery