Pediatric Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism - UDT)

Undescended testicle (UDT) – also known as cryptorchidism – means that a testicle hasn’t moved into its proper position in the scrotum before birth.

Dallas

214-456-2444
Fax: 214-456-2497

Dallas Walnut Hill

214-750-0808
Fax: 214-750-0120

Plano
Specialty Center 1

469-497-2501
Fax: 469-497-2507

Plano
Specialty Center 2

469-303-8470
Fax: 469-303-0678

Park Cities

469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001

Prospers

469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511

South Rockwall

214-867-7400
Fax: 214-456-2497

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What are Pediatric Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism - UDT)?

The testicles are formed in the abdomen before your baby is born. While the baby is developing, the testicles follow a pathway from the abdomen through the groin and into the scrotum.  

In up to 5% of boys, the testicle does not complete this journey and this results in a testicle that is not in the scrotum and is located somewhere along this path, possibly still in the abdomen. 

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism - UDT)?

  • Not seeing or feeling a testicle where you would expect it to be in the scrotum
  • Swollen lymph node (small, bean-shaped gland) in the groin

How are Pediatric Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism - UDT) diagnosed?

Physical exam

An undescended testicle (UDT) is usually detected by the parents or your pediatrician as an empty scrotum on exam. Your child's provider will likely attempt to determine whether they can feel the testicle in the groin canal. If not, it is possible that the testicle is still in the abdomen.   

Imaging

An ultrasound may be helpful in finding the testicle that cannot be felt.

How are Pediatric Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism - UDT) treated?

Surgery

Surgery is required to bring the testicle to its normal location in the scrotum for three reasons. 

  • First, if that the testis in the abdomen it is subject to a higher body temperature which results in decreased sperm production. 
  • Secondly, if the testis in the groin it is more susceptible to trauma. 
  • Lastly, if the testis is in the abdomen it has a 40% higher risk of developing cancer. 

For best results, the surgery should be performed prior to your child turn 1 year of age. Depending on where the testicle is, this may be done with a single surgery through an incision in the groin or may require 2 or 3 operations including an exploration of the abdomen to find the testicle. Eventually, the testicle will be brought down and sutured to the scrotum - a procedure called “orchidopexy.” 

There is a higher chance of developing testicular cancer in patients with a history of an undescended testicle.  Therefore, routine testicular self-exam should begin when the patient transitions through puberty and into adulthood.     

Pediatric Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism - UDT) Doctors and Providers