Identification of primary acquired cryptorchidism in children: a case series

BACKGROUND: The term primary acquired cryptorchidism is generally used to describe the absence of a testicle in the scrotum in a boy with a previously documented descended testicle.

AIM: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the potential for unprovoked migration of a normally located testicle back to the groin region based on big data analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 42,749 electronic outpatient records of boys aged 0–18 years who were followed up at the Children’s City Clinics of Stavropol in 2018–2022 with a diagnosis of undescended testicle was performed.

RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2022, 158 patients diagnosed with undescended testicles were followed up by pediatric surgeons, pediatric urologists/andrologists, and pediatric endocrinologists at pediatric clinics in the city. Of these, 14 patients (8.8%) were identified with testicles previously documented as being in the scrotum.

CONCLUSIONS: The study showed potential for spontaneous movement of the testicle from the scrotum to the groin area as the child grows. However, further research, including multicenter studies, is needed.