Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim
Pediatrics
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My son is 3 years old and has retractile testicles. Is surgery generally required for this condition?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
For retractile testis, we can wait up to the age of 8 years.
Usually, the testis descends by that age. If there are no complications and it is a proper retractile testis and not an undescended testis, then you can wait till the above age. However, continuous monitoring with USG (ultrasonography) is required every six-monthly. However, if the testis is completely undescended, then it is advisable to do orchidopexy surgery before the age of 2 years.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
What is considered as a proper retractile testis? Are there any risks of infertility or cancer with this condition? Is it some thing I should be worried about?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
A retractile testis is one which stays in the scrotum sometimes and sometimes is not there in the scrotum. A confirmation for retractile testis can be obtained by physical evaluation by a pediatric surgeon and also by sonography of the inguinoscrotal region.
If the testis is retractile, it has a 50 percentage chance of coming down into the scrotum since the testis grows with age.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
If it does not descend before he turns 8, then would he require surgery?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, definitely. Also, if at all any complications develop during this time interval which may either be picked up on sonography or clinical examination by a pediatric surgeon, then we may need to go with surgery.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you. So, I understand that for the time being, he does not require surgery. But, he possibly could in the future.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes. Take care.
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Pediatrics
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