Question

What is Cryptorchidism?

Answer 1

Hint: Cryptorchidism is an abnormality that is found in males. It is related to the testes which is the male reproductive part. It causes a serious problem that can cause infertility in males.

Complete answer:
Cryptorchidism is a condition in which there is the absence of one or both testes from the abdomen. It is one of the most common birth defects that are present in the male genital tract. About 80% of cryptorchid testes descend by the first year of life. Most of the men born with undescended testes have reduced fertility.

CAUSE- Most of the children with health issues, testicles failing to drop. It can be because their testicles aren't normal to start with or there is some mechanical problem. The testicles in some cases may drop but miss the scrotum, ending up next to the scrotum instead. These are called "ectopic testicles". In some cases, testicles do not attach to the scrotum. As the child grows up, about 1 of every 5 cases of undescended testicles are found once the boy is no longer a baby.

DIAGNOSIS- An undescended testicle left inside the abdomen could form a tumour later in life which can be without symptoms. It can be treated with surgery. Laparoscopy is the surgery done through thin tubes put into the child's body through a cut. Pediatric urologists are the experts who do so.
Surgery is done in 3 conditions:
1. Vessels leaving the abdomen with no testicle.
2. Blind ending testicular blood vessels providing no testicles.
3. A testicle in the abdomen that is found down or removed from the scrotum.

TREATMENT- If their testicles do not drop after 3 months of age, the only treatment is surgery. It is called orchiopexy and is done after 6 months of age. A cut is made about an inch long in the groin area. The testicles are freed from all nearby tissues so that it moves easily into the scrotum and then it is stitched into place. Overall, the success rate with surgery is 98 out of 100.

Note: About 1 of every 5 cases of undescended testicles are found in the boy who is no longer a baby. The testicles of these children appear to be dropped normally as a baby. If an undescended testicle appears later it is called “ascending testicles".