Unilateral transverse testicular ectopia with recurrence of inguinal hernia: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2023 Feb 27;17(1):69. doi: 10.1186/s13256-023-03782-8.

Abstract

Background: Crossed testicular ectopia or transverse testicular ectopia is an extremely rare urogenital anomaly. In this condition, on average at 4 years of age the testes migrate through the inguinal canal and one or both testes may turn up in the abdomen, inguinal region, or in the hemiscrotum, with an empty contralateral hemiscrotum. Our case report documents transverse testicular ectopia in a 5-year-old boy who presented with right inguinal hernia and nonpalpable left testis. He underwent previous right herniorrhaphy at the age of 1 year.

Case presentation: A 5-year-old Iranian boy was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. He underwent right inguinal herniorrhaphy at the age of 1 year. For this case report, the hernia symptoms had returned. Both testicles were palpated in the right scrotum, an ultrasound examination also revealed both testicles to be present in the right scrotum, and a hernia sac located in the right inguinal region with an internal ring. The patient was recommended to undergo a surgical reconstruction. Surgical reconstruction was performed by crossing the left testis in the transseptal orchiopexy technique.

Conclusion: In patients with cryptorchidism on one side and an inguinal hernia on the other side, the surgeon must consider a rare condition known as transverse testicular ectopia. Sonography can be helpful for diagnosing cases where transverse testicular ectopia is suspected, evaluating other anomalies, and selecting the most appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Case report; Surgical technique; Testis; Transverse testicular ectopia; Undescended testis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Cryptorchidism* / complications
  • Cryptorchidism* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cryptorchidism* / surgery
  • Hernia, Inguinal* / complications
  • Hernia, Inguinal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hernia, Inguinal* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Male
  • Orchiopexy / methods
  • Testis / abnormalities
  • Testis / diagnostic imaging
  • Testis / surgery