Purpose
Among boys in childhood and adolescence, cryptorchidism stands as the most prevalent anomaly in sexual development. While orchidopexy is expected to stimulate an increase in Inhibin B levels – particularly when performed early-delayed intervention may impair this response, reflecting reduced germ cell function and compromised fertility potential.
In developing countries, children often present beyond the recommended 18-month surgical window, yet data on hormonal outcomes in this context remain scarce. This study aimed to assess serum Inhibin B levels in boys with delayed orchidopexy, measured 6-months post-operatively, to better understand the impact of late surgical correction on testicular endocrine function and future fertility risk.
Method
This was a cross-sectional observational study. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum Inhibin B levels. Descriptive statistics summarized key variables, and participants were categorized into age-specific Inhibin B percentiles to assess fertility potential. Bivariate analyses examined associations with clinical variables. Multiple linear regression was used to identify independent predictors of Inhibin B levels.
Results
A total of 69 boys with cryptorchidism were included, with a median age at surgery of 6.75 years. Overall, 65.2% of participants had Inhibin B levels at or below the 25th percentile, suggesting reduced Sertoli cell function, while 34.8% had values above this threshold, indicating preserved hormonal activity. Bilateral cryptorchidism was observed in 34.8% of cases, and 22.2% underwent staged surgery. Multi-variate regression identified age at surgery as the only independent predictor of postoperative Inhibin B levels (P < 00.5), whereas laterality and surgical staging showed no association.
Conclusion
This study emphasizes the ongoing challenge of delayed surgical management, with age at orchidopexy identified as a significant predictor of post operative Inhibin B levels. Although a subset of patients maintained normal Inhibin B levels despite delayed intervention, majority showed evidence of compromised Sertoli cell function.
Keywords: Late Orchidopexy, 18-Months , Inhibin-B levels.
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