%0 English Abstract
%T [Diagnosis and management of the undescended testis--an update in the light of the current guidelines].
%A Rubenwolf P
%A Stein R
%J Aktuelle Urol
%V 44
%N 6
%D Nov 2013
%M 24258395
%F 0.465
%R 10.1055/s-0033-1358664
%X Cryptorchidism, or undescended testis (UDT), occurs in 1-3% of male term infant births. At least two-thirds of UDTs will descend spontaneously, typically during the first 6 months of life. UDTs are associated with loss of spermatogenic potential and testicular malignancy in the long term. Orchiopexy performed prior to puberty may significantly reduce the malignant potential by up to 4-fold. Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy starting at 6 months of life has been shown to potentially improve the testicle's fertility index and should be part of the therapeutic concept. However, the use of hormonal treatment and HCG beyond the first year of life is to be challenged given a potentially negative impact on testicular function. Laparoscopic exploration and therapy is the method of choice for non-palpable testes. Ideally, surgical repair of the UDT should be completed by the age of 1 year.