​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Cryptorchidism occurs when the testicle has not moved into the scrotum before birth. Sometimes, this corrects itself within the first several months of life. However, if it does not, the treatment is a simple surgery to reposition the testicle into the scrotum.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

To develop and function normally, testicles need to move to a slightly cooler temperature than normal body temperature. If this does not occur, the male may experience fertility issues, including low sperm count and poor sperm quality, as well as higher rates of testicular cancer. Also, they are at high risk for testicular torsion, when the spermatic cord twists and cuts off the blood supply to the testicle. Limitation in blood supply to the testicle may result in the need to remove the testicle. Cryptorchidism may lead to an inguinal hernia, which is when the opening between the inguinal canal and abdomen loosens to allow part of the intestines to move into the groin area. This causes extreme pain and discomfort.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Cryptorchidism occurs all over the world. It is especially common in premature males with an incidence rate of roughly 30%. Only 3% of full term infant males are born with cryptorchidism. However, for the majority of both premature and full term infants, the testicle descends on its own during the first year of life, leading to a true incidence rate of roughly 1%. The main difference in Guatemala is the lack of access to necessary surgical interventions to correct cryptorchidism. Individuals may have this condition for several years until they develop effects, such as an inguinal hernia, that are so painful that the need for treatment cannot be ignored.

What does the treatment process look like?

The treatment for cryptorchidism is surgery, during which the surgeon places the testicle into the scrotum and stitches it into place. If the patient has an inguinal hernia due to the undescended testicle(s), it may be corrected during this surgery as well. It is either an open or laparoscopic surgery and generally requires one day in the hospital post-op.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

This treatment allows the boy to live a normal childhood and adult life. He will no longer be at high risk of infertility or testicular cancer. He will not experience the extreme discomfort and pain of the inguinal hernia or pressure against the pubic bone.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This condition is very treatable. This is a one-time surgery which, in the majority of cases, permanently addresses this condition. Risks are uncommon, but include excessive bleeding, severe pain, infection, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Most of the national hospitals have surgeons who can perform this procedure. In fact, our medical partner often uses these surgeons perform procedures for patients. The catch is that the hospitals and other institutions who perform these procedures may say they are free but then make up the cost of the procedure by charging patients for other — often unreasonable — things. Therefore, most of the time, patients still cannot afford to have the procedure done. Our medical partner works with patients to pay for the necessary preoperative testing and subsidize surgical fees, transportation, and lodging, so that patients can get on with their lives.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

The alternative for most patients is simply to forgo treatment and hope for the best.