Question
Is there a risk to my son if we undergo surgery for cryptorchidism?
Answer
Cryptorchidism surgery is generally considered to be relatively simple. Often, the testicles have a chance to move up into the scrotum on their own before the age of one year, so treatment with hormones can be tried first. For a baby who is 10 months old, the hormone luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) can be used, administered three times a day at a dose of 0.2 ng each time. If the testicles have not moved up by the age of 10 months, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can be used, given two injections into the muscle once a week at a dose of 1000 units each injection, for a total of 4 to 5 weeks. If the testicles still have not moved up by the age of 2 years, surgical treatment will be necessary.