Undescended testes Genital abnormalities

Paediatric Genital Abnormalities

Undescended testes

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This boy has bilateral undescended testes with the right being intra-abdominal and the left being in the upper canal

The left testis was impalpable and he needed laparoscopic exploration

This testis sits high in the canal

Undescended testes can be associated with other genital abnormalities such as hypospadius

The testis begins life in the abdomen and travels down the gubernaculum through the inguinal canal to the scrotum.
The movement can be arrested at any stage of this pathway, leaving the testes in an ectopic position. It may spontaneously descend to the correct position by 1 year of age. Referral is indicated if the testis is not in full descent by 12 months.