Abstract
Cryptorchidism is the most frequent genital anomaly in the newborn male. Although significant progress has been made in the assessment and treatment of cryptorchidism, several controversies still exist. In every boy, the physical examination should seek the presence of the gonads in the scrotum. Otherwise, it should be made clear whether cryptorchidism is unilateral or bilateral, the position of the gonad should be defined as precisely as possible, distinguishing between cryptorchidism, ectopia and retractile testes. Hormonal laboratory studies help assessing the existence of functional testicular tissue. Treatment may be hormonal or surgical. The latter is not recommended before the age of 1 year. Surgery has the highest rates of success in patients with gonads in high inguinal, abdominal or ectopic position, or when hormonal treatment has failed. Hormonal treatment may be successful in patients with gonads in low inguinal or high scrotal position. Treatment aims to reduce, although it does not always avoids, the risks of infertility and of testicular cancer in the long term. MÉD UIS. 2015;28(3):371-80.
Keywords: Cryptorchidism. Fertility. Testicular Neoplasm.
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