Screening of Surgically Explored Undescended Testes

Background: As one of the most important congenital anomalies, undescended testis, or cryptorchidism contributes to infertility and as well as a risk factor for testicular carcinoma. However, it is unclear if cryptorchidism by its own a cause of testicular cancer.
Objectives: To evaluate the anatomical, morphological anomalies and histopathological changes of undescended testis in patients at various ages presenting to Al-Salam Teaching Hospital.
Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was done in Mosul city teaching hospitals. Data of 40 patients with undescended testis after surgical exploration of the inguinal region were analyzed. Intra-operative gross appearance was examined and morphological changes were reported. A biopsy was taken from the undescended testis, preserved in Bouins solution and sent for histopathological examination.
Results: The location of the testis among the 40 male patients was variable, the most common site was in the intracanalicular position (50%). Twenty two patients (55%) had normal sized testes, while in the rest: the testes were smaller or atrophied. Germ cell count was markedly diminished in 65% of the cases. One patient (2.5%) was diagnosed with intratubular germ cell neoplasia.
Conclusion: Patients with undescended testes in Mosul present late for medical care which raises the probability of infertility and malignant transformation.