If an undescended testicle is diagnosed in an infant younger than 4 months, the recommended management is:

If an undescended testicle is diagnosed in an infant younger than 4 months, the recommended management is:

• A. Watchful waiting
• B. Immediate surgery
• C. Hormonal therapy
• D. Immediate imaging

Answer: (B)

In infants, undescended testes often descend on their own during the first few months of life, especially in term babies. Because the infant is younger than 4 months, the best approach is watchful waiting with regular follow-up rather than rushing to intervene. Immediate surgery is not needed now since many testes will descend spontaneously, and operating this early exposes the infant to unnecessary risk without improving outcome. Hormonal therapy has limited effectiveness and is not routinely used, and imaging doesn’t reliably change management because localization and treatment depend on age and physical examination. If the testis has not descended by about 6 to 12 months, refer for surgical correction (orchiopexy) to optimize fertility potential and reduce future complications.

In infants, undescended testes often descend on their own during the first few months of life, especially in term babies. Because the infant is younger than 4 months, the best approach is watchful waiting with regular follow-up rather than rushing to intervene. Immediate surgery is not needed now since many testes will descend spontaneously, and operating this early exposes the infant to unnecessary risk without improving outcome. Hormonal therapy has limited effectiveness and is not routinely used, and imaging doesn’t reliably change management because localization and treatment depend on age and physical examination. If the testis has not descended by about 6 to 12 months, refer for surgical correction (orchiopexy) to optimize fertility potential and reduce future complications.