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Evaluation of testicular stiffness in boys with unilateral cryptorchidism after orchiopexy by ultrasound strain elastography

Yuichi Sato, Yusuke Kirihana, Satoru Meguro, Ryo Tanji, Akifumi Onagi, Ruriko Honda-Takinami, Kanako Matsuoka, Seiji Hoshi, Junya Hata, Hidenori Akaihata, Soichiro Ogawa, Motohide Uemura, Yoshiyuki Kojima

Author information

  • Yuichi Sato

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Yusuke Kirihana

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Satoru Meguro

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Ryo Tanji

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Akifumi Onagi

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Ruriko Honda-Takinami

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Kanako Matsuoka

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Seiji Hoshi

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Junya Hata

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Hidenori Akaihata

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Soichiro Ogawa

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Motohide Uemura

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

  • Yoshiyuki Kojima

    Departments of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine

Abstract

Purpose:We assessed the stiffness of unilateral undescended testes after orchiopexy, examining its value in tracking histopathological changes and fertility potential during postoperative follow-up. Additionally, we explored the optimal timing for surgery based on testicular stiffness.


Patients and Methods:Thirty-six boys who had been diagnosed with unilateral undescended testis and treated with orchiopexy were included in the study. Testicular stiffness was evaluated several times over respective follow-up periods by ultrasound strain elastography after orchiopexy. The strain ratios were measured as the ratios of the elasticities of the descended testis to those of the operated testes. The patients were divided into two groups based on the age at which they underwent orchiopexy:under < 2 years (Group A) and ≥ 2 years (Group B).


Results:The mean strain ratios were 0.90 ± 0.32 and 0.92 ± 0.20 in Groups A and B, respectively. In Group A, the strain ratio was constant regardless of postoperative months (r = 0.01, p = 0.99); however, in Group B, it tended to increase with postoperative months (r = 0.42, p = 0.07).


Conclusions:Evaluation of testicular stiffness may be useful for the estimation of histopathological changes and fertility potential in boys with unilateral undescended testes at follow-up appointments after orchiopexy. Our data indicate that performing orchiopexy as early as possible may be recommended to avoid testicular damage.

The cintent of reseach paper

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