The role of human chorionic gonadotropin in the treatment of retractile testis

Abstract EN

A retractile testis is the testis that can be brought down into the scrotum but then after a period retract upward outside the scrotum by the action of cremasteric muscle.

The aim of this study is to identify the effect of age of the patient, location of the RT, and whether unilateral or bilateral on the response to HCG therapy.

This is a prospective study conducted in the pediatric surgery compartment in Basrah Children Hospital over 3 years (2013-2016).

Thirty two boys with a diagnosis of retractile testis (RT) are included in this study.

All cases were treated with intramuscular injection of HCG as following: in boys aged 1-4 years: 1000 IU twice weekly for 3 weeks (total 6000 IU) and in those aged more than 4 years: 1500 IU twice weekly for 3 weeks (total 9000 IU).

The response to treatment was evaluated in 2 weeks, one month, and 6 months after completing the course of treatment of HCG.

In this study, the diagnosis of retractile testis was confirmed in 32 boys aged (1.25-9.5) years (mean: 5.28 years).

Ten boys (31%) were with unilateral retractile testis.

Twenty two boys (69%) were with bilateral retractile testis, 15 (27.7%) testes in the prescrotal area, and 39 (72.2%) testes in the inguinal area.

From a total 54 retractile testes; 40 (74%) testes respond (descended into the scrotum).

The mean age for responder was 5.49 years and the mean age for boys who did not respond was 4.69 years.

Six (60%) of 10 unilateral retractile testes and 34 (77.3%) of 44 bilateral retractile testes respond to HCG treatment.

Response to HCG occurred in 12 (80%) of the pre-scrotal retractile testes, and in 28 (71.8%) of the inguinal retractile testes.

Re-ascending (recurrence) occurred in 6 (15%) testes.

In conclusion, HCG treatment is an effective way of treatment of retractile testis especially in preschool children, bilateral cases, and in those with prescrotal testicular position.