Prevalence and patterns of undescended testis among primary school pupils in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

A cross sectional study was undertaken with the main objective of determining the prevalence and patterns of undescended testis (UDT) among 437 primary  School pupils from randomly selected primary schools in one Division of  ampala in Uganda. The study variables included age, tribe, scrotal findings, side and location of the undescended testis plus associated groin and external genitalia abnormalities. UDT was found in 27 of the 437 children. The right side alone was involved in 17 (63%), the left alone in 5 (18.5%) and was bilateral in five cases (18.5%). Sixteen (59%) of UDT were palpable in the inguinal region while in 11 (41%) could not be palpated. Ultrasonography of the groin area located five of the 11 impalpable testes. This study showed that the prevalence of UDT in the study population was 5.5% and occurred more commonly on the right side and the superficial inguinal pouch was the commonest site.

Key words: Prevalence, pattern. Undescended and testis.