Pediatric Cryptorchidism Surgery Medication

Updated: Sep 21, 2023
  • Author: Marcos Perez-Brayfield, MD; Chief Editor: Marc Cendron, MD  more...
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Medication

Hormonal therapy

Class Summary

This treatment should be considered when the diagnosis of retractile testis is uncertain. This is also used for cases of nonpalpable testis in which Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy is considered or in patients who are poor candidates for surgical intervention. Hormonal therapy has been used in Europe for many years as a primary therapy for cryptorchidism.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, Choron, Pregnyl)

Acts on Leydig cells similar to pituitary LH by stimulating production of gonadal steroid hormones, including testosterone. Effect on testicular descent not fully understood. Success rates 14-70%.