Robert Kodrič
Oddelek za otroško kirurgijo, Kirurška klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Jernej Strojinc
Oddelek za urologijo, Kirurški sektor, Splošna bolnišnica Novo mesto, Novo mesto, Slovenija

Mateja Jakopec
Oddelek za otroško kirurgijo, Kirurška klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is one of the most common birth defects in newborn boys. The risk factors are prematurity and low birth weight. The diagnosis is clinical; diagnostic imaging does not significantly influence the decision for further treatment. Surgery is the treatment of choice. It is recommended that boys undergo surgery between 6 and 12 months of age and by the age of 18 months at the latest. Bilateral cryptorchidism is present in 30% of cases and it has a negative impact on fertility. Boys who have been treated for cryptorchidism are advised to examine themselves later in life because of the higher likelihood of developing testicular cancer.

Key words: cryptorchidism, undescended testes, orchiopexy, testicular cancer