Abstract
The endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh repair is nowadays a well-established tension-free method for inguinal hernia repair. Mainly based on animal studies and case reports, a concern about the risk of postoperative infertility was expressed. This clinical study aimed to evaluate the risk of infertility due to obstructive azoospermia in men of fertile age who underwent a bilateral hernia repair. Over 3years (2005-2008) 59 male patients, 18-60years of age, underwent a bilateral TEP repair. Twenty-one of them were prospectively ("light mesh") and 38 retrospectively ("heavy mesh") evaluated for testicular volume and perfusion, serum levels of sexual hormones, ejaculate volume, and number of spermatic cells. Those parameters were determined preoperatively (prospective group) and not earlier than 3months postoperatively (both groups). No significant difference between pre- and postoperative values was detected in the prospectively studied group. All postoperative parameters were within the normal range in the retrospective group. There was no evidence of impaired fertility in any patient due to the operation. The standardized TEP technique for simultaneous bilateral inguinal hernia repair in male patients was not associated with a higher risk for postoperative infertility after mesh implantation. The use of heavy-weight meshes had no negative effect on fertility.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
