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Management of Undescended Testes: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia
Gama, M; Tadesse, A; Dejene, B; Getachew, H; Nigussie, T & Derbew, M
Abstract
Background: Undescended testis is one of the commonest congenital malformations seen
in boys. The aim of this study is to evaluate the pattern of presentation, approach to
diagnosis, treatment and follow up in Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, a tertiary
teaching hospital in Ethiopia.
Methods- This is a retrospective cross sectional study of all boys with undescended testis operated in Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital between September 2012 and August 2014.
Results: Of 82 boys operated within the study period, 66 boys with 78 undescended testes
are studied. Twenty-six percent (17/66)came before the age of 2 years, while the majority
of the study group, 50% (33/66), presented beyond 5 years of age. Of the 17 boys brought
to the hospital before 2 years, only 41% (7/17) them were treated before the age of two
years. The majority 89% (59/66) of the boys were treated after 2 years of age. Seventy-one
testes of 78 [91%] were in the inguinal canal, 5 were intra-abdominal and 2 were absent.
46% (36/78) were on the left side, 29% (23/78) on the right side and the rest were
bilateral. Among the 54 boys who had ultrasound examination, the ultrasound report is
consistent with operative findings in 33 [61%]. Associated congenital malformations were
found in 31.8% (21/66) of the boys. Hypospadia was the predominant malformation
comprising 38% (8/21) of the total congenital malformations. Orchidopexy was done for
82% (64/78) of the total testes, orchiectomy was done for 9% (7/78) and biopsy was taken
in 1 case. Among the total operated boys only 62% (41/66) were followed in our clinic; of
those who had follow up 10% (4/41) testes atrophied and 1 [2%] testis retracted.
Conclusion: Boys with undescended testes present and are treated late in Tikur Anbesa
Hospital. As opposed to the literatures most of the undescended testes were found on the
left side. Ultrasound examination cannot be the only mode of examination for
undescended testes as it misses more than one third of the cases. Hypospadia is the
commonest associated congenital malformation. Post operative follow up is very poor
after treatment for undescended testes
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