Undescended testis occurs in around 2-3% of term male infants, but is much more common if the baby is preterm. Around 25% of cases are bilateral.

Complications of undescended testis

• infertility
• torsion
• testicular cancer
• psychological

Management

• Unilateral undescended testis
  • NICE CKS now recommend referral should be considered from around 3 months of age, with the baby ideally seeing a urological surgeon before 6 months of age
  • Orchidopexy: Surgical practices vary although the majority of procedures are performed at around 1 year of age
• Bilateral undescended testes
  • Should be reviewed by a senior paediatrician within 24hours as the child may need urgent endocrine or genetic investigation