Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Patients with Undescended Testes at The Clinic for Children's Surgery Sarajevo Over a Period Of 10 Years
Introduction: Undescended testis (cryptorchidism) is one of the most common congenital anomalies in male children, with a prevalence of approximately 3–5% in full-term newborns.If not treated, it can lead to infertility, testicular atrophy, and an increased risk of malignancy.The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency, diagnosis, and treatment of undescended testis over a ten-year period (2015–2024), with special attention to surgical methods, postoperative complications, and hospitalization duration. Material and Methods: This research was designed as a retrospective, descriptive clinical-epidemiological study. The data were collected from hospital records of male patients diagnosed with cryptorchidism, retentio testis, and ectopic testis. All data were organized by year and analyzed statistically. Descriptive statistical methods were applied to determine frequency, mean values, and ranges for key variables, including age at surgery, type of surgery performed (orchidopexy, orchidectomy, laparoscopy), testicular position (inguinal or intra-abdominal), and occurrence of complications. Results: The most common diagnosis was retentio testis, followed by cryptorchidism and ectopic testis. Orchidopexy was the most frequently performed procedure, with a predominance of inguinal testis positions. The average patient age at surgery ranged between 1 and 3 years, with a few exceptions. The average length of hospital stay was two days, and complications were rare and mostly minor. A significant drop in the number of cases was recorded in 2020, likely due to reduced surgical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The results indicate an overall alignment with modern guidelines regarding the timing and type of treatment, with early interventions showing positive clinical outcomes. This study emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and adequate surgical management of undescended testes in preventing long-term reproductive consequences.