Undescended and Retractile Testicle

Cryptorchidism or undescended testicle (UDT) is one of the most common pediatric disorders of the male endocrine glands and the most common genital disorder identified at birth. The main reasons for treatment of cryptorchidism include increased risks of impairment of fertility potential, testicular malignancy, torsion and/or associated inguinal hernia.

Listen to our pediatric urology expert discuss the management of undescended and retractile testicle

In today’s episode, we will talk with Brian Caldwell, MD about the difference in presentation of undescended versus retractile testis, approaches to treatment and long-term prognosis for these patients.

Dr. Caldwell is a pediatric urologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs and is an associate professor of surgery and urology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

In this episode, our expert discusses:

• The initial evaluation for boys suspected of undescended or retractile testes
• Palpable testes and the six-month guideline before referring
• Approach to a child whose testicles cannot be located in the inguinal canal
• The possibility and risk of disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD) in patients with non-palpable testes
• Tenets of the initial exam and how to maximize the chance of locating the testes
• Positions and techniques that might help make the exam process more comfortable
• Retractile testicles and how to overcome the cremasteric reflex
• Complications of undescended testes and when retractile testes become ascended
• When there is greater risk for fertility problems and trauma to the testes
• Why an ultrasound is not a sufficient indicator for making decisions about testes
• The treatment strategy for undescended testicles and why surgery is necessary
• Post-operation care and what general practitioners should look out for
• The importance of teaching self-examination in puberty

Management of undescended and retractile testicle at Children’s Colorado

Pediatric experts in the Department of Pediatric Urology provide care for children in the Rocky Mountain region and around the world with congenital and acquired urologic conditions. We provide expert diagnosis, testing, medical consultation and treatment for undescended and retractile testis and the full range of pediatric urological conditions of the bladder, kidney and genitalia.