Undescended Testes

Undescended Testes, or Cryptorchidism, occurs when one or both testicles fail to settle into the scrotum during fetal development, remaining in the abdomen or groin. While many cases resolve naturally within six months, persistent undescended testes require a surgical procedure called orchiopexy to secure them in the scrotum. Medical guidelines emphasize performing surgery before 18 months to mitigate serious risks, including infertility and testicular cancer. Because testes require the cooler environment of the scrotum to function correctly, early correction is vital for long-term reproductive health.

I have treated this condition only three times in my career, and each case was successful. When first presented with this condition, I lacked prior knowledge; despite searching textbooks and the internet, I found no references relating to acupuncture. Because it was unfamiliar territory, I was naturally drawn to it. I informed the parents of my lack of specific information but expressed my willingness to attempt a treatment. They agreed, as they hoped to avoid surgery for their infant. Applying the principles of Chinese medicine, I concluded that the condition primarily involved Kidney Qi and identified specific points and areas for stimulation. Since the patient was eight months old, I initially utilized non-invasive treatments such as moxibustion and tui na. At the parents' urging, I eventually incorporated acupuncture needles using a quick insertion and removal technique; the baby remained calm throughout the procedure.

Although medical guidelines recommend surgery before 18 months, clinical practice appears more aggressive, as the physicians for all three of my infant patients recommended surgery by the ninth month. In treating these cases, I employed a variety of methods, including moxibustion, tui na, and laser therapy. While I stimulated consistent meridian areas, I did not document the specific technique or duration used for each. These were not formal studies but rather successful empirical experiments. Nevertheless, these outcomes strongly suggest that meridian-based therapy can be an effective treatment for cryptorchidism.