Anomalies of testis, epididymis and vas deferens in cryptorchid boys
Article published in Urologia Polska 2001/54/4.

authors

Mieczysław Miodek, Jerzy Niedzielski: Klinika Chirurgii i Onkologii Dziecięcej IP AM w Łodzi Kierownik kliniki: dr hab. n. med. Ewa Andrzejewska

keywords

testis, undescended testis, epididymis, vas deferens

summary

Aim of study. Anomalies of testis are mentioned as one of the causes of disrupted descent of male gonad. However, there are only a few reports on the real occurance of these defects in literature. The aim of this study was to find the real incidence of anomalies of testis, epididymis and vas deferens in cryptorchid boys.

Material and methods. Prospective study of 138 ciyptorchid boys operated on at the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Oncology in Łódź between June 1998 and November 2000 was done. Left side orchidopexy was performed in 62 patients, right side - in 74 instances, and two boys underwent bilateral operation. At the time of orchidopexy the testis, epididymis and vas deferens were examined after opening the tunica vaginalis. All anomalies found were recorded and classified according to authors\' objective criteria.

Results. Total number of 78 anomalies in 70 boys 50.7%) was recorded. There were 13 (9.4%) defects of testis, 27 (19.6%) anomalies of epididymis and 8 (5.8%) defects of vas deferens. Appendices of testis and epididymis were found in 30 boys (21.7%), and were removed at the time of orchidopexy. Serious defects of discontinuity impairing futer fertility were observed in 43 patients (31.1%) which makes 1/3 of the entire group.

Conclusions. Meticulous examination of the gonad should be „sine qua non\" part of every orchidopexy performed in cryptorchid boys. Presence of discontinuity defects may seriously affect future fertility of an individual. Parents of the patient should be, in authors\' opinion, informed about the findings and sperm analysis in adult age, as well as andrological counseling should be recommended.

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