Cryptorchidism: Review and Evaluation of the Fertility of Adult Cryptorchids

Twenty-two cases of adult cryptorchidism were clinically examined and evaluated by semen analysis, Doppler ultrasound examination, and testicular biopsy. All of these patients had undergone orchiopexy after reaching puberty, and had been followed for a period ranging from two to ten years, with a mean of 5.7 years. Although 41% of the patients had testes that clinically appeared normal in size, only five had a normal semen analysis. Because of the usual association with low fertility, marked by oligozoospermia, and the increased risk of testicular malignancy, testicular biopsy followed by orchiectomy should be performed in cases of unilateral cryptorchidism diagnosed after puberty.