Is routine excision of testicular remnants in testicular regression syndrome indicated?

Summary Background Undescended testicles are a common finding in full-term male infants. In the majority of these infants, the testicle spontaneously descends in the first year of life. However, in others, it remains impalpable in an abnormal position or there may only be a small abnormal testicular remnant present. For these infants there is still controversy surrounding inguinal exploration and/or excision of these testicular remnants at the time of operative intervention. The controversy centres on their potential future malignant potential. Aim The aim of the study was to ascertain the incidence of the presence of either germ cells (GCs) or seminiferous tubules (SNTS) in the excised testicular remnants. This was performed at a paediatric surgical tertiary centre and contributes to the evidence base for this condition. Method A retrospective data analysis occurring over a 15-year period of all excised testicular remnants. The testicular remnants were analysed for age, laterality, histological analysis and clinical diagnosis. Subset analysis included subdivision into both intra-abdominal or inguinal positions, and age ranges. Statistical analysis was using Fisher's exact test and a P -value of