Inhibin B levels in children with cryptorchidism who underwent orchidopexy after 18 months of age: a single centre cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Cryptorchidism is a common congenital abnormality of the male genital tract. Inhibin B, which reflects Sertoli cell activity, varies considerably with age and has been used to assess testicular function in boys with cryptorchidism. Although current guidelines recommend completion of orchidopexy by 12–18 months of age, surgery is frequently performed beyond this age in low- and middle-income countries. Data on postoperative inhibin B concentrations among children undergoing orchidopexy after the recommended age remain limited. Methods This cross-sectional observational study conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) evaluated serum inhibin B concentrations six months after orchidopexy in 69 boys who underwent surgery after 18 months of age. Participants were categorized according to age-specific inhibin B percentiles derived from published normative data. Statistical analyses included Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results The median age at surgery was 6.75 years. Overall, 45 of 69 participants (65.2%) had postoperative inhibin B concentrations at or below the age-specific 25th percentile, while 24 (34.8%) had concentrations above the 25th percentile. Bilateral cryptorchidism was present in 24 participants (34.8%), and 13 (18.8%) underwent staged orchidopexy. Neither testicular laterality nor staged orchidopexy was significantly associated with postoperative inhibin B concentrations. Conclusion A substantial proportion of boys undergoing orchidopexy after 18 months of age had postoperative inhibin B concentrations at or below the age-specific 25th percentile. Further prospective studies are required to determine the relationship between surgical timing, inhibin B, and long-term reproductive outcomes.