Testicular Ectopias in Children at Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital of Ouagadougou: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Introduction: Testicular ectopia is a common anomaly of male urogenital development, associated with a risk of infertility and malignant degeneration. In low incoming countries, diagnosis and management are often delayed, affecting functional outcomes.

Patients and Methods: It was a retrospective and descriptive study of 121 children who underwent surgery for testicular ectopia at Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital over a period of 11 years and 5 months. The variables collected included age at diagnosis and at surgery, the affected side, diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, as well as postoperative complications and outcomes. The data were analyzed using Epi info software, version 3.5.1

Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 5.64 years (range 1-14 years). Ectopia was present on the right side in 54.5%, on the left side in 19.4%, and was bilateral in 26.1%. The diagnosis was primarily clinical, with scrotal ultrasound contributing to the diagnosis in 28% of cases. All patients underwent surgery, which consisted of testicular lowering with dartos orchidopexy via an inguinal-scrotal approach in the majority of cases, and orchiectomy in 3 cases of atrophy. The mean follow-up was 19.62 months (1-136 months), with 4.9% of cases showing atrophy and 3.3% showing recurrence of testicular migration.

Conclusion: Testicular ectopia remains an underestimated pediatric problem in our context. Delayed diagnosis and limited access to laparoscopic techniques compromise outcomes. Adopting international guidelines, expanding the use of minimally invasive surgery, and raising awareness about early detection are essential for improving prognosis and preventing complications.

Keywords: Testicular Ectopia, Child, Diagnosis Delay, Treatment.