Category: Investigations

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Doctor, my child’s testis cannot be felt! Should we do an ultrasound examination?

Is an ultrasound necessary in a child who has an undescended testis?

Almost every patient that comes to me for consultation for undescended testis, comes armed with an ultrasound (USG) report, that the parent will promptly proceed to show me after the initial formalities, even before I have had a chance to ask as to why they are consulting me.
The sad part is that ultrasound is not only unnecessary but actually misleading in children with undescended testes [1].

USG is accurate in predicting examination findings in only 54% of children. Additionally it delays required surgery in infants by as many as 3 months.
The algorithm for managing undescended testis only requires whether an experienced pediatric surgeon can palpate the testis or not. So please do not get unnecessary tests done.
1. Ultrasound Overused to Diagnose Undescended Testicle

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CT scans may increase the risk of cancer in adolescents & children

With the advent of newer technology, there is a greater tendency amongst patients and doctors to demand that there should be complete diagnosis and evaluation for even the most trivial of complaints. This results in a plethora of investigations. Just like everything else in life, everything comes at a price. The indiscriminate use of CT scans (especially CT head for minor trauma) has greatly increased the risk of developing cancer subsequently. [1]

I think one needs to be sensible and discuss with your doctor, whether a particular investigation is really required, what are the benefits and what are the risks of the procedure.

 

1. CT Scans May Increase Cancer Risk in Children, Adolescents