Evaluating hormonal differences in post-orchidopexy patients: a meta-analysis of palpable vs. nonpalpable undescended testis.

INTRODUCTION

Cryptorchidism or undescended testis (UDT) is one of the most common congenital anomalies in male infants. Based on the physical examination, UDT can be classified into palpable and non-palpable. However, despite successful repositioning, the long-term function of the testis is still a concern. This meta-analysis aims to compare the testicular function of palpable UDT and non-palpable UDT post-orchidopexy using hormonal markers such as FSH, LH, and testosterone.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases up to March 2025. Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager (RevMan).

RESULTS

Four eligible studies were included in the analysis, involving 207 patients who underwent orchidopexy for UDT, including 160 with palpable UDT and 47 with non-palpable UDT. There is no significant difference between palpable compared to non-palpable in terms of FSH (MD 0.78 IU/L [95% CI: -0.34 to 1.90], p = 0.14); LH (MD -0.17 IU/L [95% CI: -0.45 to 0.12], p = 0.25); and testosterone (-0.08 IU/L [95% CI: -0.64 to 0.48], p = 0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Testicular functions, including FSH, LH, and testosterone, in palpable UDT did not differ significantly from those in non-palpable UDT.