Histological evidences suggest recommending orchiopexy within the first year of life for children with unilateral inguinal cryptorchid testis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal timing for orchiopexy, we evaluated the histological parameters of the cryptorchid testis.

METHODS

We prospectively performed testicular biopsy in a total of 65 consecutive children with palpable unilateral inguinal cryptorchid testes. For controls, we used testicular histological slides from 15 age-matched children with testicular tumor. To investigate the fertility potential, we analyzed the parameters including mean tubular diameter (MTD), mean tubular fertility index (MTFI), germ cell count/tubule (GCC), Sertoli cell index (SCI) and interstitial fibrosis index (IFI).

RESULTS

The MTFI and GCC in children < or =1 years of age were significantly higher than those of other older age groups. The MTFI, GCC and IFI were significantly better in patients < or =2 years of age when compared to those of > 2 years. Compared to the controls, the MTFI and GCC in the patients were significantly worse in those aged > 2 years at surgical repair. In the < or =2-year age group, the MTFI and GCC of the cryptorchid testis showed a decreasing tendency with age, which were contrasting with the ascending curves in the control and the curves crossed at 1-2 years of age in each parameter.

CONCLUSIONS

To protect fertility potential, we recommend, orchiopexy should be performed within the first year of life, and no later than 2 years of age in patients with palpable inguinal cryptorchid testes.