title: A surgical method to preserve testicular function and restore cosmetic appearance in hypogonadal men.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Maintenance of spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal patients is possible and is an objective to be actively pursued. Gonadotropin releasing hormone and gonadotropin/ testosterone therapy can develop and maintain sex characteristics and spermatogenesis such that even small gonads should be preserved. An empty scrotum, like any other congenital or acquired condition compromising the size of the genitalia, can produce serious psychosexual problems and have an extremely negative effect on normal social life.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2 adolescents affected by Kallmann's syndrome with testes of infantile volume 1 gonad was transferred to the contralateral hemiscrotum and replaced by an adult testicular prosthesis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no postoperative complications. The cosmetic results were considered satisfactory by the patients and their parents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When possible and when there is no risk of physiological repercussions, every effort should be made to normalize the appearance of the genital area for strong psychological reasons.
authors.affiliation: Andrological Surgery Unit and Endocrinology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy. ferro@opbg.net
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferro
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Borrelli
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Lucchetti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000601:surgery*; D017436:Kallmann Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery*