Cryptorchidism: a comprehensive assessment of the terminology and classification

Abstract

The analysis of literature data (PubMed database, Google Scholar) is presented, devoted to the problematic study of the cryptorchidism's terminology and classification. The literature periodically calls for systematization terms used in describing the position undescended testis. Due to the confusion in terminology, it is difficult to generalize and analyze the data obtained. The same position of the undescended testis is described differently by various authors, which led to the appearance of many authors' cryptorchidism classifications at the beginning of the 21st century. This review of the literature states the fact that, over time, no consensus has been found regarding the classification of undescended testicles. Currently, there is a need to generalize the available data to select the optimal treatment algorithm. If the treatment algorithm for the palpable testicles is well studied, then the choice of a treatment method for the cryptorchidism non-palpable forms remains debated in the surgical community.

Keywords

• cryptorchidism
• classification
• terminology