Do retractile testes have anatomical anomalies?

Abstract

Objectives:To assess the incidence of anatomical anomalies in patients with retractile testis.Materials and Methods:We studied prospectively 20 patients (28 testes) with truly retractile testis and compared them with 25 human fetuses (50 testes) with testis in scrotal position. We analyzed the relations among the testis, epididymis and patency of the processus vaginalis (PV). To analyze the relations between the testis and epididymis, we used a previous classification according to epididymis attachment to the testis and the presence of epididymis atresia. To analyze the structure of the PV, we considered two situations: obliteration of the PV and patency of the PV. We used the Chi-square test for contingency analysis of the populations under study (p <0.05).Results:The fetuses ranged in age from 26 to 35 weeks post-conception (WPC) and the 20 patients with retractile testis ranged in ages from 1 to 12 years (average of 5.8). Of the 50 fetal testes, we observed complete patency of the PV in 2 cases (4%) and epididymal anomalies (EAs) in 1 testis (2%). Of the 28 retractile testes, we observed patency of the PV in 6 cases (21.4%) and EA in 4 (14.28%). When we compared the incidence of EAs and PV patency we observed a significantly higher prevalence of these anomalies in retractile testes (p=0.0116).Conclusions:Retractile testis is not a normal variant with a significant risk of patent processus vaginalis and epididymal anomalies.

Testicular, Epididymal and Vasal Anomalies in Pediatric Patients with Cryptorchid Testes and Testes with Communicating Hydrocele

“…However, Kraft et al [ 27 ] have shown that fusion anomalies, although associated with smaller testes, are not associated with significant abnormalities in the germ cell number and testicular histological structure. In turn, Anderson et al [ 28 ] observed a significantly higher prevalence of epididymal anomalies (14%) and patent PV (21%) even in retractile testes. Over 70% of patients with this condition show normal testicular development and function; however, in some cases morphological alterations in the testicular structure were found [ 29 ], as well as poor semen parameters in adulthood [ 30 ].…”

Open controversies on the treatment of undescended testis: An update

“…The measured volume values were compared, and the results showed that the volume in boys with RT was significantly less than the recently determined standard value. Anderson et al ( 69 ) conducted a prospective study of 20 boys with RT (1–12 years old) and 25 human fetuses with the testes in the scrotal position. The age range of the fetuses was 26–35 weeks of gestation.…”

Inguinal and Scrotal Diseases in Children and Adolescents

“…이는 과도한 고환거근반사 때문에 일어나며 보통 정상적인 성숙도(maturity)와 생식능력(fertility)을 보이고 일반적으로 청소년기에 음낭으로 내려오기 때문에 정상 변이로 생각되어 왔다( 7 8 ). 그러나 Anderson 등( 9 )의 연구에 따르면 남아있는 초상돌기와 부고환의 기형이 동반되어 있을 수 있기 때문에 견축고환이 음낭으로 내려올 때까지 주기적으로 관찰해야 한다.…”