Efficacy of ultrasonography compared to diagnostic laparoscopy in detection of the non-palpable testis

Abstract EN

Background: Failure of testicular descent is a common childhood anomaly, being seen in up to 3% of full-term and 18-30% of premature boys.

The most problematic aspect is the diagnosis and treatment of nonpalpable testis.

Aims: To evaluate the relation between US and laparoscopic findings in patients with nonpalpable testes.

Methods: During a 2-year period we evaluate 35 boys with 44 nonpalpable testes.

All were examined by the referring physician or a pediatric surgeon, underwent abdominal and inguinal ultrasound examination, and were then re-examined afterwards by a specialist.

Finally, all boys were underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and inguinal exploration when indicated.

Results: Of the 46 testes, 31 missed by US.

US located 15 nonpalpable testes, 4 within the abdomen and 11 in the inguinal canal.

Overall sensitivity of ultrasound in detection of the testes either inguinal or abdominal is 36.4% with specificity 76.9%.

With knowledge of the US result, the sensitivity of US was 60% for inguinal and 16.7% for abdominal viable testes.

Specificity of the US of detection of inguinal testes is 71.4% and 83.3% for abdominal testes.

Conclusion: Abdominal and inguinal ultrasonography is unnecessary in boys with a nonpalpable testis and it does not alter the surgical approach in these patients.