A 5-year-old boy is brought with bilateral undescended testes. Orchidopexy is recommended. What is the recommended age for orchidopexy to maximise fertility potential?
- A At 5-6 years
- B Before 18 months of age ✓
- C At puberty
- D Only if symptomatic
Correct answer: B. Before 18 months of age
Explanation
Current guidelines recommend orchidopexy before 18 months of age (ideally by 12-18 months) to preserve spermatogonial development, which deteriorates after the first year of life in maldescended testes. Early orchidopexy also reduces the risk of testicular malignancy, torsion, and associated hernia. Delayed orchidopexy at puberty significantly worsens fertility outcomes and does not adequately reduce malignancy risk.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.