Age at presentation of undescended testicles: a single-center study in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The undescended testis (UDT) is the most common genital anomaly encountered in pediatrics with an estimated incidence of 1% to 4% in full-term and 1% to 45% in preterm newborn boys. Over the years, studies on progressive histological deterioration and cancer risk has led to a change in recommendations for when orchidopexy should be done.

OBJECTIVES: Determine age at presentation of patients for UDT to a specialist in Saudi Arabia, age of operation and whether the recommended targeted time frame has been met.

DESIGN: Descriptive retrospective medical record review.

SETTINGS: University hospital setting in urban location.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The records of patients presenting to our center with UDT between the years 1996-2015 were reviewed for data on the age at presentation and age of operation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age at time of evaluation and at time of surgical intervention compared with the international standard.

SAMPLE SIZE: 331 cases.

RESULTS: Out of the cases included, 195 met the inclusion criteria. The median age of presentation was 13.7 (range: 0-123.2) months. The median age at time of orchiopexy was 25 (range: 7.5-130.2) months. The median waiting time for elective surgery was 4.8 months ( less than 1 day to 49.4 months).

CONCLUSION: Despite the international recommendation of carrying out orchidopexy between the ages of 6-12 months, the targeted recommended time frame is not met in Saudi Arabia. This is mainly related to late referral age and the long waiting time for elective surgery.

LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and retrospective design.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.