Crossed testicular ectopia: Report of six cases

Right Transverse Testicular Ectopia: A Nonclassified Variant Confirmed on Laparoscopy

Transverse testicular ectopia is a rare anomaly characterized by testicular descent into the scrotum through the same inguinal canal. Here, we report the case of a 15-year-old boy diagnosed with transverse testicular ectopia wherein both testes descended through separate inguinal canals. He underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy which helped to identify both spermatic cords entering both inguinal canals separately. During scrotal exploration, both testes were found in the same side. Transseptal orchidopexy was performed. The short-term follow-up is uneventful.

Clinical Characteristics, Ultrasonographic Findings, and Treatment of Pediatric Transverse Testicular Ectopia: A 10-Year Retrospective Review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical data, ultrasonic features, treatment, and long-term outcome of transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) in children.

METHODS

Children with TTE were enrolled in the study between November 2009 and August 2019 in Shenzhen Children's Hospital in China. Clinical information, including demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, TTE-associated anomalies, ultrasonographic findings, and surgical procedures, were collected from all patients. Patients were re-evaluated at the end of 4 weeks and 6 months after the operation.

RESULTS

A total of 16 cases were enrolled and underwent surgeries, all patients had undescended testis with contralateral inguinal hernia. The ultrasonic findings showed two testicles in 15 cases and no testes in 1 case. Müllerian ducts remnants were found by laparoscopy in 6 cases or by ultrasound in one case. Sixteen cases were treated with laparoscopy orchidopexy or laparoscopy assisted trans-septal orchidopexy-inguinal exploration. After surgery, 16 patients had both testicles in an orthotopic position and with equal size, with normal blood flow.

CONCLUSION

TTE should be suspected in patients with nonpalpable undescended testis and contralateral inguinal hernia. The contralateral processus vaginalis sac occurs in all cases of TTE. Ultrasonography is essential for an early diagnosis of TTE. Laparoscopy-assisted surgery is safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapy for TTE.

Management of Transverse Testicular Ectopia with Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome

According to additional anomalies, transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) is classified into three groups. Type-2 TTE, accompanied by persistent mullerian duct syndrome, constitutes approximately 20% of the patients. Surgical treatment should be planned after careful physical examination, ultrasonography, and genetic/endocrinologic evaluation. Herniorrhaphy, orchiopexy with testicular biopsy, and excision of the mullerian structures are the most appropriate surgical approaches in cases of TTE with persistent mullerian duct syndrome. We aimed to share our approach to the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with type-2 TTE. Possibility of TTE should be kept in mind in children with nonpalpable testis on one side and inguinal hernia on the other side.

A Rare Variation of Transverse Testicular Ectopia (TTE) in a Young Adult as an Incidental Finding during Investigation for Testicular Pain

Transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) with fused vas deferens is an extremely rare clinical entity. Herein, we present a case of a 19-year-old patient with persistent left testicular pain lasting for a week. Clinical examination revealed an empty right hemiscrotum, a normal left-sided descended testis, and in close proximity a mass-like structure resembling testicular parenchyma. Laboratory tests were significant for elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), while sperm count revealed azoospermia. Ultrasound imaging (US) of the scrotum demonstrated the presence of both testes in the same left hemiscrotum with varicocele and no signs of inguinal hernia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the penis and scrotum revealed TTE with a single, fused vas deferens, and hypoplastic seminal vesicles. Surgical intervention by means of microsurgical sperm retrieval and transseptal orchidopexy were considered but not performed, primarily owing to the patient's unwillingness and to a lesser extent due to the restriction that the short and fused vas would pose in an attempt to transpose the ectopic testis. Therefore, an annual follow-up was recommended.