Usefulness of clinical factors for diagnosing and differentiating types of testicular malposition in boys: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate useful objective variables and factors supporting the diagnosis of retractile testis and cryptorchidism by primary care providers, including urologists.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 512 boys diagnosed with retractile testis or cryptorchidism at our institute. Boys with retractile testis were followed up and underwent orchiopexy once the testis became undescended, while boys with cryptorchidism underwent orchiopexy immediately. We investigated trends in the prevalence of testicular malposition and explored useful diagnostic factors for retractile testis and cryptorchidism.

RESULTS

Of 512 boys, 199 were diagnosed with retractile testis and 313 were diagnosed with cryptorchidism. Comparison of clinical information between retractile testis and cryptorchidism showed that age at diagnosis, laterality, and location of the testis were significantly different between the groups (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively). The comparison of surgical information also showed that epididymal abnormality and state of processus vaginalis is patency or closure were significantly different between the groups (P = 0.0088 and P = 0.0003, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that diagnosis at age 0-1 years, unilaterality, and canalicular testis were predictive factors for cryptorchidism (P = 0.001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Age at diagnosis, laterality, and location of the testis could be factors to aid the diagnosis of retractile testis and cryptorchidism.