Cryptorchidism in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nigeria: Presentation, Management, and Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presentation, management, and outcome of cryptorchidism in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nigeria. Information of patients who presented with cryptorchidism to the hospital from January 2015 to January 2020 was retrieved from the folders and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients were studied during the study period. Only three (8.1%) presented and had correction before/at the age of two. A majority of patients (91.9%) presented after the age of two; 78% of the testes were palpable. The condition was unilateral in 30 patients (81.1%) and bilateral in seven patients (18.9%). Laparoscopy was used in one (2.7%) patient. A majority (51.4%) of the testes were in the inguinal canal, 29.7% at the external ring, 13.5% at the internal ring, and 5.4% within the abdomen. Orchidopexy was performed for 41 undescended testes and orchidectomy for three atrophic testes. There was a good outcome in 93.2% of the surgical corrections. Scrotal haematoma developed following two orchidopexies and one (2.2%) testis retracted. CONCLUSION: Cryptorchidism is a common anomaly in urology. The correction of cryptorchidism at the appropriate age is indicated to optimise testicular function, potentially reduce and/or facilitate the diagnosis of testicular malignancy, provide cosmetic benefits, and prevent complications such as a clinical hernia or torsion. Education of parents, traditional birth attendants, midwives, and doctors in our environment is required to ensure earlier presentation and treatment.