A patient with a nonpalpable testis (NPT) is a diagnostic challenge.

Use of ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of NPT is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to compare US with surgical findings.

Between January 2000 and January 2007, 65 patients with a diagnosis of undescended testis (UDT) were evaluated. The 65 patients had 77 UDT. The patients had a physical examination that was followed by US and then surgery. All patients had a second physical examination in the operating room while under anesthesia

US localized 57 (74%) nonpalpable testes. Of these, 50 were in the inguinal region and 7 were in the abdomen. The sensitivity of US was 100% for the inguinal canal and 39% for intraabdominal viable testes.Enter text

All patients with presumed nonpalpable, undescended testes should be referred to a urologist for physical examination before receiving US. The authors recommend US as a first instrumental test for all patients with NPT. When US is negative, they advise laparoscopy.

Written by:
Al-ahnoumi A, Yafai A, Al-Arigi A, Absi M, Al Wadan A, al Senebani J.   Are you the author?

Reference:
UroToday Int J. 2009 Jun;2(3).
doi:10.3834/uij.1944-5784.2009.06.01

UroToday.com Pediatric Urology Section

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