Sonographic evaluation of testicular hemodynamics after inguinal hernia repair

Abstract

Objective The aim of this work was color Doppler ultrasound assessment of the effect of inguinal hernia repair on testicular blood flow using open approaches. Background Anatomically, a close relation exists between the spermatic cord and inguinal hernias. Inguinal hernias can carry the risk of ischemia of the testis by intermittent mechanical compression (pressure) on the testicular vessels. The spermatic cord structures may be exposed to invasive surgical intervention during inguinal hernia reconstruction. Surgical dissection, division, or mechanical trauma to the spermatic artery and veins accounts for serious trophic changes in the testis. Patients and methods This study was conducted on 20 patients, suffering from inguinal hernia, admitted to General Surgery Department in Faculty of Medicine, Menoufiya University and the Department of Surgery, Elamria Hospital in Alexandria. All patients were subjected to preoperative evaluation such as history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations. Results This study was designed on 20 patients with primary inguinal hernia (direct and indirect). The age range was between 20 and 50 years. All patients included had primary inguinal hernia. Eight patients had right-sided hernia, whereas 12 patients had left-sided hernia. All the patients were assessed by Doppler ultrasound preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative testicular scan showed no ischemic changes in any patient in our study, and postoperative complications recorded included seroma and mild hematoma. Conclusion Testes are richly supplied by different blood vessels. In the Lichtenstein's hernia repair, there is no significant effect on testicular blood flow.