Cryptorchidism is a congenital pathology observed in boys when the testicles do not descend into the scrotum, but remain in the inguinal canal or in the pelvic cavity. As a rule, in preterm boys it is observed 4-5 times more often than in term infants. Since the descent of testicles into the scrotum occurs most often at the end of pregnancy.
Consequences of cryptorchidism
Immediately explain what can be dangerous cryptorchidism for the boy. In the future, this can lead to infertility, testicular cancer, twisting of the spermatic cord. Also, being in the abdominal cavity, the testicle lowers the immune system of the body, because of this, the reproductive function of the second normal testicle may suffer. And already in adult life a man will have big problems of a sexual plan.
Types of cryptorchidism
- The most innocuous kind of cryptorchidism is pendulum cryptorchidism . Both testes descended correctly, but at times, in cold or palpation, they can again rise up. It passes during puberty and is not considered dangerous. In treatment this species does not need.
- Sliding cryptorchidism . Incorrectly located testicles when pressed easily shift down. But when they are released, they return to the previous place again.
- Inguinal cryptorchidism. In the process of lowering the testicles remained in the inguinal canal, where they can be probed.
- Abdominal cryptorchidism . One of the testicles is not palpable and can not be seen.
Causes of cryptorchidism
Precisely physicians can not explain the cause of this pathology, which is observed right after birth in almost all boys. A version has been put forward that this is the consequence of hormonal failure in newborns. Fortunately, cryptorchidism is easily treatable, unless, of course, it does not pass in the first three months of life.
Diagnosis of cryptorchidism
Identifying it is not difficult. Having probed the scrotum, you will notice the missing testicle. In addition, you can carry out an ultrasound scan or make an X-ray. Sometimes doctors diagnose false cryptorchidism, the testicle then rises in the groin, then again descends into the scrotum. For these babies you need to keep a constant watch. False cryptorchidism is most common in boys prone to fatness.
Methods of treating childhood cryptorchidism
Two methods have been developed for the treatment of cryptorchidism:
- use of hormonal drugs;
- surgical intervention.
Hormonal treatment is prescribed to increase the boy's male hormones in the body. This correctly forms the scrotum and helps to lower the testicles. Such therapy lasts from 4 to 5 months.
Operation in children with cryptorchidism is not performed before the child reaches 1 year. In the groin area an incision is made, through which all work is carried out. The egg is lowered into the scrotum, where it is then fixed. This operation is not complicated, it is carried out quickly - within an hour, but it requires the surgeon to make jewelry accurate. Children are well tolerated. And in three days the child is already going home for a recovery period. After the operation, the boy is under constant medical supervision.
Complications after surgery are extremely rare. In place of the suture, there may be inflammation or a small bruise.
Sometimes doctors combine both methods of treatment. This is done to restore all the functions of the repressed testicle.
The main thing for parents, whose children showed cryptorchidism, is a timely appeal to doctors. Cryptorchidism responds well to treatment, this is worth remembering. In no case do not self-medicate. No hikes to grandmothers. Only timely diagnosis and medical intervention will cure this ailment and will save your baby from serious complications.