Kleinteich B, Schickedanz H
Z Urol Nephrol. 1977 Jul;70(7):491-500.
The average diameter of the seminiferous tubules is to be regarded as a criterion for the estimation of the morphological value of testicles. By means of 89 autoptically got preparations of regularly descended testicles the breadth-growth of the tubules depending on age in children was judged. Of 55 untreated congenital dystopic testicles morphometric determinations of the diameters of the seminiferous tubules were performed. At the same time 79 unilaterally and 78 bilaterally operatively dislocated, congenital dystopic testicles and 78 contralateral eutopic gonades were evaluated. The average diameter of the tubule of untreated dystopic testicles is significantly (p less than 0.001) smaller than the diameter of the orthotopic gonades corresponding to age. The average diameter of the tubule of operatively dislocated congenital dystopic testicles is, however, larger than the diameter of the untreated gonades corresponding to age. The earlier the treatment of congenital dystopic testicles is performed the larger are the chances of a development of the tubules corresponding to age.