Which option correctly describes the management for a newborn with unilateral undescended testicle and normal phallus?

Which option correctly describes the management for a newborn with unilateral undescended testicle and normal phallus?

• A. Immediate surgery
• B. Ultrasound now
• C. Urologic evaluation at 3 months
• D. Observation

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to monitor for spontaneous descent while avoiding unnecessary testing or premature surgery. In term newborns, testes can descend in the first few months, so reassessment around 3 months is appropriate. Arranging a urologic evaluation at that time allows the clinician to confirm whether descent has occurred and to plan further management if the testis remains undescended. Imaging with ultrasound is not routinely helpful in this setting and does not change management, and rushing to surgery in a newborn is not indicated since many testes descend naturally and surgery is typically considered later (around 6–12 months) if descent has not occurred. So the best approach is to have a urologic evaluation at 3 months to guide next steps. If persistence continues, orchiopexy is usually planned after infancy.

The main idea is to monitor for spontaneous descent while avoiding unnecessary testing or premature surgery. In term newborns, testes can descend in the first few months, so reassessment around 3 months is appropriate. Arranging a urologic evaluation at that time allows the clinician to confirm whether descent has occurred and to plan further management if the testis remains undescended. Imaging with ultrasound is not routinely helpful in this setting and does not change management, and rushing to surgery in a newborn is not indicated since many testes descend naturally and surgery is typically considered later (around 6–12 months) if descent has not occurred. So the best approach is to have a urologic evaluation at 3 months to guide next steps. If persistence continues, orchiopexy is usually planned after infancy.