Under normal conditions, the testis descends into the scrotum just before birth. If there is a disruption in this descent stage, the condition that occurs is called undescended testis. If it is located in a place other than the descent path, it is called ectopic testis. Undescended testis is seen with a frequency of 3-5% at birth and the majority of it descends until 1 year of age.

The diagnosis is made by observing that the scrotum is empty or the testis cannot be detected during the examination. In this case, the testicle may be in the inguinal canal, outside the inguinal canal or in the abdomen. The other possibility is that the testis has become an undeveloped or inactive tissue remnant.

Shy (Retractile) testicle:

Shy (Retractile) testicle should not be considered as undescended testis. The sudden and rapid reaction of our body to a stimulus such as light, sound, contact from outside is called reflex. In case of impact or contact with the area where the inguinal region and the inner surface of the leg meet, it causes the testicles to move towards the abdomen as a reflex. It goes into place after the effect wears off. Examination or ultrasonographic examination has a similar effect. It may also lead to the misdiagnosis of undescended testis in children with strong reflexes.

Another factor that makes the mechanism work is temperature. Testicular temperature is lower than body temperature. For this reason, while the testis settles higher in cold weather, the testis is located lower in the scrotum in hot weather or hot baths.

In this case, the patient does not need to be treated immediately. According to the follow-up, it is evaluated whether there is testicular involvement. Most of the time, no treatment is required.

Treatment:

• If the testis is evaluated as an underdeveloped or inactive (atrophic-nubin) testis, it is recommended to remove this tissue.
• If an undescended testis is detected as a result of examination and examination (if necessary), the treatment approach is surgery. However, the lowering process becomes more difficult as the testis placement moves away from the scrotum. Rarely, a second attempt may be required.