Evaluation and treatment of cryptorchidism
Penson DF, Krishnaswami S, Jules A, Seroogy JC, McPheeters ML
Record ID 32013000240
English
Authors' objectives:
We assessed the effectiveness of imaging for identifying and correctly locating testicles, the use of hormonal stimulation for treatment planning and hormones for achieving testicular descent, and choices among surgical treatments, including surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopic).
Authors' recommendations:
The body of the reviewed literature on cryptorchidism comprise primarily fair- and poor-quality studies, which limits our ability to draw definitive conclusions. No specific imaging technique is able to completely identify anorchia or position of the undescended testicles and thus eliminate the need for further surgical evaluation. Accuracy of imaging is related to location of the testicles, with less invasive methods demonstrating poor accuracy for abdominally located testicles and those that are atrophied. Hormonal stimulation testing may predict anorchia, but evidence is insufficient, with only two studies of fewer than 50 participants. Hormonal treatment is marginally effective relative to placebo, but it is successful in some children and has minimal side effects, suggesting that it may be an appropriate trial of care for some patients. Surgical options are effective, with high rates of testicular descent (moderate strength of evidence for Fowler-Stephens procedures, high for primary orchiopexy). Comparable outcomes occur with laparoscopic and open approaches.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2012
URL for published report:
http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/300/1353/CER88_Cryptorchidism_FinalReport_20121207.pdf
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
United States
Contact
Organisation Name:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Contact Address:
Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;
Contact Name:
martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov
Contact Email:
martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov
Copyright:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.