DOI: 10.55665/troiamedj.1983975 ISSN: 2630-6107

Current practice patterns in cryptorchidism management in Türkiye: A nationwide survey

Şenay Kurtuluş, Nizamettin Kılıç, Eyüp Burak Sancak
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Objective: Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital anomalies in boys, and management strategies may vary according to surgical training and clinical experience. This study evaluated current practice patterns and consensus among pediatric surgeons, urologists, and pediatric urologists in Turkey.Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatric surgeons, urologists, and pediatric urologists in Turkey. The questionnaire assessed management preferences for palpable undescended testes (UDTs), intra-abdominal testes (IATs), retractile testes, and selected special clinical situations. Responses were compared using chi-square or exact tests.Results: A total of 153 clinicians participated, including 107 pediatric surgeons, 24 urologists, and 22 pediatric urologists. For palpable UDTs, orchiopexy at 12–18 months was most commonly preferred by pediatric surgeons (54.2%) and urologists (54.2%), whereas pediatric urologists most commonly preferred 6–11 months (54.5%); the difference among specialties was not statistically significant. Preoperative hormonal therapy was rarely used. Ultrasonography for palpable UDTs was requested more frequently by urologists, whereas most pediatric urologists considered it unnecessary. Laparoscopic-assisted single-stage orchiopexy was the preferred approach for low IATs, while two-stage Fowler–Stephens orchiopexy was favored for high IATs. Most participants recommended follow-up for retractile testes until puberty, although orchiopexy was preferred in selected cases. Management of special clinical situations was similar across specialties.Conclusions: Cryptorchidism management in Turkey was largely consistent with current international guidelines. Although differences existed regarding preoperative imaging and the management of IATs and retractile testes, a high level of consensus was observed across specialties.

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