[Testicular biopsy in cryptorchism: prognostic parameters].

470 testicular biopsies performed in prepuberal cryptorchides has been reviewed in order to assess the relationship, if any, between the morphological parameters and the prognosis of future fertility. The main parameter is the presence and the number of germinal cells, which are progressively decreasing in the following groups of patients: descended testis in monocryptorchid patients, monolateral undescended testis, bilateral undescended testis. The results observed are similar to those reported by various Authors. The age of the patients biopsied was irrelevant with respect to the results of the predictability of fertility. Other parameters than germinal cells are of no practical interest.