The Undescended Testis

This book provides a practical guide to the congenital and acquired problems related to pediatric surgery and urology. A range of topics are covered, including; abdominal wall hernias, hemangioma and vascular malformations, gastrochesis, achalasia, congenital gastric outlet obstruction, renal and liver tumors, intestinal malrotation, and hydronephrosis. The book aims to be a quick reference text for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric surgery conditions and presents information relevant to general surgeons, pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and medical trainees.

Written in a simple point by point style for ease of use, this volume covers all aspects of pediatric surgery with emphasis on important points for diagnosis and management. Each chapter covers a topic with emphasis on the most common conditions in neonatal and general pediatric surgery. The text is well illustrated with clinical, operative, radiological, and histopathological color figures and illustrations. The book also presents some of the rare conditions encountered in pediatric surgery, as well as common pediatric urology conditions. An Illustrated Guide to Pediatric Surgery is a useful reference to pediatric surgeons, specialists, fellows and residents, as well as general surgeons, pediatricians, neonatologists, medical students and interns interested in pediatric surgery.

Ferment, a sign of progress in any scientific field, has previously been lacking in the area of cryptorchidism, where the only activity has been in improving operative methods. Now, however, profound changes in the care of boys with cryptorchidism are being brought about; ideas are arising from a fresh look at comparative anatomy, and histological and experimental observa tions are being supplemented by clinical tests made possible by new hormonal agents. The treatment of cryptorchidism begins with its recognition by the pediatri cian, who until now has shown little interest because of disappointing results from chorionic gonadotropin administration. As for the surgeon, his bent toward restoration of normal anatomical relationships has kept his attention focused on the development of better surgical technics to bring the recalci trant testis into the scrotum. Both specialists have avoided the primordial question of why the testis did not descend properly. If this were known they would treat the cause of cryptorchidism, and not be satisfied merely with trying to correct its end result. As one reads this book, one sees that in most patients cryptorchidism is not caused by some anatomical structure blocking the way or by some deformity of the testis interfering with the transport mechanism. Rather, deficiencies in the hormonal environment of the fetus retard the developmen tal sequences essential to the normal differentiation and descent of the testis. The clinical solution is thus to provide the deficient substances.

This book provides a state of the art overview of all aspects of testicular descent and cryptorchidism, including the mechanisms of descent and the causes, consequences, diagnosis, and treatment of undescended testis. The advances in understanding that have been achieved over the past two decades are clearly explained, covering the latest genetic information on the causes of normal and abnormal testicular descent, the role of INSL3 in transabdominal migration, and the evidence that a neurotransmitter released from the genitofemoral nerve mediates androgenic control of inguinoscrotal descent. Exciting changes in the management of both congenital and acquired cryptorchidism, such as the widespread use of laparoscopy for impalpable testes inside the abdominal cavity, are fully described. Evidence for the benefits of orchidopexy within the first year of life is reviewed, and an individual chapter is also devoted to hormonal treatment. Throughout the book due attention is given to ongoing controversies and divergences of opinion. This new edition of Descent of the Testis will be a timely update and valuable reference for all who are involved in research into testicular descent and management of cryptorchidism.

JONES’ CLINICAL PAEDIATRIC SURGERY Jones’ Clinical Paediatric Surgery provides clear-sighted advice on the surgical options available for young patients. Building on the popular and successful style of previous editions, this fully revised seventh edition employs a systematic approach to the childhood diseases that need surgical treatment. It includes more case vignettes and colour photographs, expanded coverage on the use of imaging, and updated approaches to management including laparoscopic operations. Key subject areas are supported by case vignettes in a familiar format similar to what might appear in an OSCE viva. Jones’ Clinical Paediatric Surgery is the ideal guide for paeditricians, surgeons and trainees, as well as primary care physicians, junior doctors and medical students.