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01-08-2006 | Topic Paper

Results of orchiopexy for the undescended testis

Authors: Irina Taran, Jack S. Elder

Published in: World Journal of Urology | Issue 3/2006

Abstract

The undescended testis is one of the most common congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary system. Outcomes of orchiopexy include (1) having a viable, palpable testis in the scrotum, (2) fertility, as measured by paternity rates or semen analysis in adulthood and (3) risk of testicular cancer. Multiple operative techniques have been described and are associated with various success rates. In the past decade, success of orchiopexy for inguinal testes has been >95%. For abdominal testes, success for orchiopexy has been >85–90% in most series with single stage orchiopexy or two stage Fowler–Stephens orchiopexy, both with open surgical or laparoscopic technique. However, having a palpable testis in the scrotum does not assure fertility, as there are iatrogenic factors that may adversely affect the outcome. In adult men with a history of unilateral orchiopexy, fertility is nearly normal, but is significantly reduced following bilateral orchiopexy. The risk of testicular carcinoma is increased by a factor of 3.7 to 7.5 times. Tumor type is most commonly seminoma if the testis is undescended, whereas tumors that occur following orchiopexy are much more likely to be nonseminomatous.

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Title: Results of orchiopexy for the undescended testis
Authors: Irina Taran
Jack S. Elder
Publication date: 01-08-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Urology / Issue 3/2006
Print ISSN: 0724-4983
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-006-0056-4

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