Histopathologic Changes of Undescended Testis

Kim, Ki Kyung; Kim, Tai Chin

Abstract

Undescended testis is one of the most common anomalies of genitourinary tract in children but optimal time for treatment of it has not been determined still. We examined the changes of seminiferous tubules according to ages in 41 patients with undescended testis which orchiectomy or testicular biopsy were performed in the Department of Urology, Kyung Hee University Hospital during the period from January, 1979 to April, 1985 and following results were obtained. l. The ages of 41 patients ranged from 6 years to 48 years. Of these,36 patients were unilateral and 5 patients were bilateral undescended testis. 41 undescended testes were located in inguinal canal, 2 in high scrotum and 3 above the internal inguinal ring. 2. Mean Tubular Diameter was average 48.5 Um from 6 years to 12 years, 81.2 Um at 14 years and 118.4 Um at 24 years. But in normal group, it was average 95.7 Um from 6 years to 12 years, 2l3.6 Um at 14 years and 229.4 Um at 17 years. So, there was already severe damage in development of seminiferous tubules in undescended testis at 6 years. 3. Mean Tubular Fertility Index was average 19.7% from 6 years to 17 years, 42% at 19 years, average 10.8% from 20years to 30 years and 0% at 48 years. But in normal group, it was 78.0% at 6 years and 100% at I4 years. So. there was already severe damage in formation of spermatogonia in undescended testis at 6 years. 4. The thickness of basement membrane of seminiferous tubules in undescended testis was 2.2 Um at 6 years and increased with age to 9.9 Um at 24 years.