Congenital anomalies of the testes

== Cryptorchidism == Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into scrotum. Untreated, it increases the risk for testicular cancer, infertility, and testicular torsion.

• 1% of boys
  • It’s the most common congenital anomaly of genitourinary tract
• Risk factors
  • Prematurity
• Diagnosis
  • Testis cannot be palpated in the scrotum
• Treatment
  • Many spontaneously descent, but not after 6 months
  • Within 6 – 18 months
  • Orchidopexy
  • Laparoscopic surgery

Congenital hydrocele

Congenital hydrocoele is a fluid collection between the layers of the tunica vaginalis.

• Causes painless, enlarged scrotum
• Usually resolves spontaneously
• Requires surgery if it persists beyond 12 months

Ectopic testes

• Testes is located outside the normal path of descent
• Increases risk of cancer and infertility
• In superficial inguinal pouch, perineum, femoral canal, suprapubic region
• Treatment is orchidopexy

Congenital varicocoele

Varicocoele, the abnormal enlargement of the pampiniform plexus in the scrotum due to obstruction of the spermatic vein, can be congenital/primary. It almost always affects the left testicle. It's an under-recognised cause of male infertility. It causes pain in the affected testicle and painless swelling. Surgery may be indicated in case of pain or infertility.