The high scrotal ("gliding") testis revised.
BACKGROUND
At present, the high scrotal testis is considered a distinct and separate entity of undescended testis.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess whether high scrotal testis is actually either a congenital- or acquired-undescended testis.


CONCLUSIONS
In 527 consecutive boys (aged 0.4 to 16.5 years, mean 7.5) referred for non-scrotal testis, the number of high scrotal testis was prospectively determined. According to previous testis position, the high scrotal testis was classified into congenital- and acquired-high scrotal testis. In congenital-high scrotal testis orchidopexy was performed whereas spontaneous descent at puberty was awaited in acquired-high scrotal testis. In 210 testes, the gonad was diagnosed as high scrotal. In six testes the condition was congenital and 204 testes were diagnosed as acquired. All cases of congenital-high scrotal testis were treated surgically. In 100 acquired-high scrotal testis follow-up was performed. Of these, 75 testes descended spontaneously at puberty.


CONCLUSIONS
We propose that the high scrotal testis should be regarded, not as a distinct and separate entity, but as a part of the spectrum of either congenital-undescended testis or acquired-undescended testis. Since spontaneous descent can occur at puberty in acquired-high scrotal testis, therapy may be different between both forms.
Hack
Wilfried W M
WW
Department of Paediatrics, Medical Centre Alkmaar, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815, Alkmaar, The Netherlands. w.hack@mca.nl
Sijstermans
Karlijn
K
van der Voort-Doedens
Laszla M
LM
Meijer
Rob W
RW
Haasnoot
Krijn
K
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male