Absent Testis

The testis forms inside the abdomen of the fetus and migrates into the scrotum before birth in 96% of males. It may stop migrating at any stage before it reaches the scrotum, in which case it is referred to as 'undescended'.

A testis should be in the scrotum by the age of 2 years so that it will produce sperm normally in later life. If the undescended testis can be felt in the groin, a small operation can be performed through the groin to fix it in the scrotum. If the testis cannot be felt, it either did not form at all or is still located somewhere in the abdomen. Such a testis has a 2-3% risk of becoming cancerous and needs to be removed.

Although an ultrasound or body scan could be performed to look for a missing testis it is not as accurate as surgery, which has an accuracy of 97% [5]. Laparoscopy minimises the size of the incision and discomfort and allows the patient to leave hospital and return to normal activities earlier. If a testis is present it can be removed laparoscopically.

>> Click here for the Absent Testis information sheet