New Review Assesses Research on Evaluation and Treatment for Undescended Testicles

Both laparoscopic and open surgical techniques are effective for moving undescended testicles to a normal position in the scrotum, according to a new AHRQ review of research on evaluation and treatment of this condition. However, no specific imaging technique is able to consistently determine the presence or absence of testicles or the location of undescended testicles, the review found. Insufficient evidence exists to evaluate if hormonal stimulation testing can determine the absence of testicles. Additional studies comparing various imaging techniques are needed to determine which techniques produce the best results and eliminate the need for surgical evaluation. Future studies should also seek to identify the appropriate age for treatment and which types of patients would benefit from hormonal treatment for undescended testicles. Select to access these findings in the full review, Evaluation and Treatment of Cryptorchidism.