U.S. News & World Report 2011-12 edition of “Best Children’s Hospitals” ranks pediatric urology care at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, and at our partner hospital Wolfson Children's Hospital, among the best in the country.
Nemours Pediatric Urology Ranks Among the Best
Nemours Pediatric Urologists Named Among the "Best"
Many of Nemours pediatric urologists have been selected as some of the “Best Doctors in America®.”
Patient Story
Urology: Summer
Swirling through the house in pink fairy wings - with matching pearls, tulle skirt and purple boa, little Summer is every inch the “Princess” she decl...
Undescended Testes
What are undescended testes (UDT)?
Undescended testes (also called cryptorchidism or UDT) describes a condition where the testes, which form inside the abdomen, fail to move down into the scrotal sac. This occurs in about 20% of premature infant boys and 3% of full term newborns.
The testes usually descend within the first few months of life. By 1 year of age, about 1% of boys have an undescended testis. Also, 10 to 15 % of boys with undescended testes have bilateral (both sides) involvement.
How are undescended testes diagnosed?
The diagnosis of an undescended testis begins with the observation that one or both testes are absent from the scrotal sac.
If a testis is in the scrotum and disappears, it may be retractile. A testis that is temporarily drawn into the groin may require no treatment, while a true undescended testis requires surgery, called orchiopexy, which secures an undescended testis inside the scrotum.
What are the treatment options for undescended testes?
Nemours urologists will continue to evaluate the undescended testis through age 6 months. Surgical treatment is recommended if there is failure of the testis to come down.
Reasons for surgical treatment include:
- an undescended testis may get injured more easily and undergo twisting or torsion
- if an undescended testis is left at a higher body temperature, normal growth of the sperm may not take place
- an undescended testis that is not corrected places the child at a higher risk for cancer
- an empty scrotum may cause worry and embarrassment for a child later in life
As a parent, you undoubtedly have questions about your child’s condition and treatment, and your Nemours urologist will answer all your questions and ease your concerns.
Nemours Pediatric Urology Locations
Urology appointments also available monthly at these locations:
Quick Links
Patient Resource - Voiding/Bowel Diary
To help us take care of your child's urological issues, you may be asked to keep a Voiding/Bowel Diary, which you can access here.