Adolescent follow-up after childhood orchiopexy
Nilla Hallabro, Anna Börjesson, Magnus Anderberg, Martin SalöAbstract
Introduction
Routine follow-up after surgery for undescended testis (UDT) typically includes assessments 1 year post orchidopexy. Our center commonly offers an additional evaluation around 15 years of age to reassess testicular status in puberty and to provide the adolescents with information about UDT and its future implications. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical findings, proportion of visits resulting in further management, and patient/parental satisfaction with the long-term follow-up.
Methods
A retrospective review of 15-year follow-up visits between 2010–2025. Primary outcome was need for further management (referral/additional follow-up). Risk factors (age, type of UDT, comorbidities, previous urological procedures, and surgical approach) were assessed using binary logistic regression and reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Additionally, a total of 30 boys and 30 parents were surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the adolescent follow-up.
Results
A total of 261 adolescents attended 15-year follow-up visits during the study period. Further management was initiated in 22 (8%) visits, including surgical follow-up, ultrasound, or referral to other specialties (uology, plastic surgery, endocrinology). Bilateral UDT and two-stage laparoscopic orchidopexy were associated with increased odds of further management (aOR 3.5, 95% c.i. 1.4–8.7; and aOR 11.4, 95% c.i. 2.3–57.8, respectively). All parents and 93% of boys were satisfied/moderately satisfied with the follow-up and valued the information given.
Discussion
A subset of patients with childhood orchidopexy need clinical follow-up in adolescence, but all parents and most patients are satisfied with the follow-up and value the examination and information given to the adolescent.