The undescended testis lies along the correct path of descent but outside the scrotum. It may be abdominal, inguinal or retractile.
The incidence of testicular undescent is:
There is little evidence that testes descend spontaneously after the first year.
The right testis is affected alone in 50% of cases and the left alone in 30%. The condition is bilateral in 20%.
The scrotum is often underdeveloped and flattened. At operation, the testis often appears grossly abnormal. It is small and soft, and has a dissociated epididymis. It is accompanied by a hernial sac.
Absence of testicular tissue suggests intrauterine torsion or true testicular agenesis. If the latter is suspected, than an abdominal ultrasound should be performed to check for renal agenesis.
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