• Definition: failure of one or both testicles to descend to their natural position in the scrotum
  • Testes normally complete their descent into the scrotum by the 4th month of life.

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Inguinal testis: The testicle is located between the external and internal inguinal ring, preventing adequate mobilization (90% of cases).

Clinical features

Diagnostics

• Laboratory tests
  • Testosterone
    • Bilateral cryptorchidism: ↓ testosterone levels
    • Unilateral cryptorchidism: normal levels (normal Leydig cell function)
  • ↓ Inhibin B
  • ↑ FSH, ↑ LH

Treatment

Complications

• Testicular cancer (germ cell tumors): The risk of testicular cancer is not eliminated by surgery.
• Infertility: higher temperature of the abdominal cavity is suboptimal for spermatogenesis → oligospermia → infertility
• Testicular torsion
• Inguinal hernia