Cryptorchidism is the most common genital problem encountered in pediatrics. Cryptorchidism literally means hidden or obscure testis and generally refers to an undescended or maldescended testis. Despite more than 100 years of research, many aspects of cryptorchidism are not well defined and remain controversial. Untreated cryptorchidism clearly has deleterious effects on the testis over time. Understanding the abnormalities of morphogenesis and the molecular and hormonal milieu associated with cryptorchidism is critical to contemporary diagnosis and treatment of this extremely common entity.

According to the guidelines published by the American Urological Association in May 2014, imaging for cryptorchidism is not recommended prior to referral, which should occur by 6 months of age. In addition, orchiopexy is the most successful therapy to relocate the testis into the scrotum, and hormonal therapy is not recommended. Successful scrotal repositioning of the testis may reduce but does not prevent the potential long-term issues of infertility and testis cancer, and appropriate counseling and follow-up of the patient are essential.