Abstract
In boys, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) reflects Sertoli cell function, seminiferous tubular integrity and testicular function. Serum AMH value remains stable until one year of age in the postnatal period. In our study, preoperative and postoperative serum AMH values were compared in infants between age of 3-12 months who underwent orchiopexy due to unilateral cryptorchidism. The study population consisted of 77 cryptorchid children under one year of age who had unilateral palpabl testis and underwent orchiopexy. Following the diagnosis of undescended testis, all patients underwent inguinal orchiopexy. Serum AMH levels and testicular size were evaluated before the orchiopexy, and AMH levels and testicular size were compared at the sixth month following orchiopexy. Serum AMH values measured in the postoperative sixth month control period were significantly higher than preoperative serum AMH values. All testicles were examined in the scrotum in the postoperative period. There was no difference in size of testes that underwent orchiopexy before and after surgery. AMH may reflect gonadal function as it is a well-known Sertoli cell marker. Unlike the other gonadal hormones, AMH remains stable in the serum following the period called infantile mini-puberty. Particulary in this period AMH is more advantageous than other serum markers in demonstrating testicular functions. In our study, a significant increase in serum AMH level was observed after orchiopexy. As an indicator of testicular function, especially in the first year of postnatal period, comparing AMH levels before and after orchiopexy may also be useful in determining the effectiveness of treatment.