[Timing of therapy of cryptorchidism].

Dysfunctions of the endocrine glands are among the most prominent causes of cryptorchidism. Whereas all gonads show spermatogonia during the first to sixth months of life, loss of spermatogonia is seen in 25% of children with unilateral cryptorchidism already in the second year of life. A randomised study revealed decreased in gonadotropin reserves which was more marked after unsuccessful treatment than after successful therapy. In 119 treated children, the quota of descended testicles was between 47 and 55%. Ultrastructurally, LH-RH exercises an action on Leydig's cells. Treatment should be initiated already in the first year of life. LH-RH is recommended as the first conservative treatment. If this is not successful, additional administration of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can achieve descent in an additionally high percentage of cases.