Prevalence and characteristics of cryptorchidism in a Nigerian district.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence and characteristics of cryptorchidism among primary schoolboys in a Nigerian district.


METHODS
The district selected had 35 primary schools with 23,342 pupils, consisting of 11,275 girls and 11,967 boys. Using a cluster-sampling technique, five primary schools were visited; 1096 boys (aged 5-13 years) participated in the study, giving a sampling ratio of 1:11. The boys underwent a clinical examination of the groin, scrotum and abdomen.


RESULTS
Cryptorchidism was found in nine subjects, giving a prevalence rate of 0.82%. All the undescended testes were unilateral, of which five were right-sided. Eight of the testes were intracanalicular and one was at the external ring. There were no cases of orchidopexy.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of cryptorchidism among primary schoolboys in this district of Nigeria was high, at eight per 1000. Delayed diagnosis and treatment remains a problem because of the prevailing socio-economic factors. However, the incidence of cryptorchidism was similar to that reported in other parts of the world.
Okeke
A A
AA
Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. aokaykays@hotmail.com
Osegbe
D N
DN
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors