The undescended testis.
Testicular development is determined by the influence of the SRY gene on the Y chromosome of the fetus. This influences the germ cells to produce testosterone and Mullerian inhibiting substance which control descent of the testis. Maldescent of the testis occurs in 0.8% of boys. Current best advice is to perform orchidopexy before the age of two years, therefore a programme for examination by skilled healthcare workers should be established in the first year of life. Indications for surgery include a possible beneficial effect on fertility, malignant potential particularly if intra-abdominal, torsion or trauma and social considerations. Hormonal treatment in the first three months of life is recommended by some. Laparoscopy is the optimum method for evaluating and managing the intra-abdominal testis.
Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK. emackinnon@sch.nhs.uk
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MacKinnon
D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000379:methods
D006062:Gonadotropins