Ligation Of Spermatic Cord Research Articles

Evaluation of Spermatic Cord Ligation as an Alternative Method of Castration in Dogs

The study evaluated open spermatic cord ligation as an alternative method of castration in dogs. Three Nigerian indigenous puppies were randomly selected (identified as SL1, SL2 and SL3) and used for the study. They underwent the same surgical procedure. Blood samples of the experimental puppies were taken daily for 3 days, pre-surgery. Additional blood sampling was at 24 hrs post-surgery, and, subsequently at 48 hrs interval for 3, 2, and 1 week(s) in SL1, SL2, SL3 respectively. Sera samples were harvested from the blood samples. At weeks 3, 2 and 1, the testicles of the puppies were harvested for macroscopic and microscopic evaluations. The puppies were physically examined daily throughout the study period. Serum testosterone concentration of the puppies was determined using ELISA kit. The pre-surgical values ranged from 0.1ng/mL-0.5ng/mL before the surgery and declined to 0ng/mL 24 hrs post-surgery. Gross appearance of the testicles showed atrophy of the testicles. Testicular histopathology showed distortion of germ and supporting cells due to ischaemic necrosis, which was more evident in SL1 followed by SL2, and then SL3. It was concluded from this study that the procedure was effective, minimally invasive, simple and fast.

Different Castration Methods Induced Variations in Behavioural Responses, ‎Scrotal Circumference and Testicular Histo-architecture in Red Sokoto ‎Bucks

I In this study, we assessed the behavioural responses, scrotal circumference, and testicular histo-architecture of red Sokoto bucks after undergoing castration through Burdizzo, in situ spermatic cord ligation, and orchidectomy. Sixteen red Sokoto bucks aged 6 months to 1 year, weighing between 11-12 kg, were randomly assigned to four groups, each comprising four bucks: Group A (Burdizzo), B (in situ spermatic cord ligation), C (orchidectomy), and D (control). Following the castration procedures, the bucks were observed for behavioural changes, and scrotal circumference was measured. Testicular tissue sections were collected from bucks in Groups A and B at 3-, 6-, and 9-weeks post-castration, and processed for histological examination. The findings revealed diverse behavioural responses in Groups A, B, and C, including back arching, vocalization, teeth grinding, altered posture, changes in appetite, and dorsal lip curling. There was a significant (p < 0.05) progressive decrease in mean scrotal circumference in Groups A, B, and C. Histologically, the testes exhibited empty seminiferous tubules with fibrous architecture from three to nine weeks post-castration in Groups A and B. Castration via Burdizzo, in-situ spermatic cord ligation and orchidectomy induced distinct behavioural responses and changes in scrotal circumference in the red Sokoto bucks. The behavioural responses observed in the present study were noted to be mild in Group A, while Groups B and C presented moderate responses, thus, suggesting a varying degree of pain induction. This implies that Burdizzo castration induced less pain when compared to in-situ spermatic cord ligation and orchidectomy. Testicular histo-architecture was altered by Burdizzo and in-situ spermatic cord ligation in red Sokoto bucks. Therefore, the choice of castration method for red Sokoto bucks should be based on the specific characteristics of interest, availability of equipment, convenience, and technical efficiency.

Interleukin-6 Responses in Red Sokoto Bucks Following Orchidectomy, Burdizzo Castration and In-situ Spermatic Cord Ligation

Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of orchidectomy, Burdizzo castration, and in-situ spermatic cord ligation on interleukin 6 (IL-6) responses in red Sokoto bucks. Methods:Sixteen (16) Sokoto red bucks (6 months to 1 year old and 11-12 kg body weight) were randomly assigned and divided into 4 groups (A, B, C, and D) each containing 4 bucks. Group A were castrated using Burdizzo), B in-situ spermatic cord ligation, and C orchidectomy while group D (control) was not castrated. Blood was collected pre-castration, at immediate, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24-, 32-, 48- and 72-hours post-castration (hpc) into plain labeled tubes, serum harvested and analyzed for IL-6 levels. Results:Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) increased IL-6 levels in groups A, B, and C from 4 hpc, reaching peak levels at 20 hpc with the highest recorded in group C followed by group B and then group A. Conclusion:In conclusion, orchidectomy, Burdizzo castration, and in-situ spermatic cord ligation elicited IL-6 responses but the response was highest with orchidectomy followed by in-situ spermatic cord ligation,then Burdizzo castration. This indicates that these castration methods increased inflammation, thus suggesting that IL-6 can be used to determine inflammatory responses for bucks after castration. This is the first study to demonstrate a relationship between orchidectomy, Burdizzo castration in-situ spermatic cord ligation, and serum IL-6 levels in the red Sokoto bucks

Comparison of spermatic cord ligation and the vas plexus ligation in canine orchiectomy: A prospective clinical study.

Orchiectomy with a vas deferens to pampiniform plexus ligation (VPL) is a novel method, and it is unclear how its short-term outcomes compare with the results of a conventional method, spermatic cord ligation (SCL). To compare the short-term outcomes of SCL and VPL on inflammation, surgery time, bleeding, pain and surgeon satisfaction during canine open orchiectomy. Thirty male crossbred dogs undergoing open orchiectomy were enrolled the study. Dogs were randomly allocated to one of the SCL or VPL groups, with 15 patients in each. In the SCL group, the spermatic cord was ligated using absorbable sutures. The vas deferens, and pampiniform plexus self-tying were performed in the VPL group. Surgery time, bleeding and surgeon satisfaction scores were recorded. Inflammation at the surgical site was assessed using infrared thermal camera over three days, and pain associated with inflammation was scored on the third day. On Day 3, the average temperature in the SCL group was significantly higher than that of the VPL group, with a mean difference of 4.63°C (95% CI: 2.34-6.93, p<0.001). Moreover, the surgery time in the VPL group was significantly longer compared to the SCL group, with a mean difference of 1.7min (95% CI: 0.28-3.11, p=0.021). The bleeding score was also significantly higher in the VPL group (p=0.012). On the other hand, surgeon satisfaction and pain scores were not significantly different between groups. Both SCL and VPL methods are safe and effective for orchiectomy in dogs. VPL is comparable in efficacy and safety and has the additional benefit of less inflammation.

Male genital trauma caused by self-mutilation: A first case series report in Indonesia

Introduction and importanceGenital self-mutilation (GSM) is a rare phenomenon with a spectrum ranging from a superficial laceration to complete amputation of the external genitalia. These could result in severe impairment of genitourinary functions. Psychotic disorder adds to the complexity of the patients. Since GSM is underreported, we report the first case series in Indonesia. Case presentationFour included patients comprised different injuries to the external genitalia, from a superficial laceration to penile amputation. Notably, these patients exhibited psychotic traits. Initial management consisted of bleeding control, debridement, and primary suturing. Depending on the extent of the injury, the repair comprised of spermatic cord ligation, penile reconstruction using a skin flap, defect closure with urethral spatulation, and exploration. We successfully managed all the patients surgically before undergoing psychotherapy to improve the patient's overall well-being and to reduce the risk of similar reoccurrence of GSM behavior. Clinical discussionThe majority of GSM cases were associated with psychotic disorders. The current reports’ injuries include penile laceration, total penile amputation, unilateral castration, and combined injury to the penis and scrotum. Although most GSM is not life-threatening, it may cause emergent, complex, and serious complications such as massive hemorrhage and severe infections. Appropriate investigations with systematic treatment strategies are required, especially in complex cases. ConclusionThe incidence of genital self-mutilation necessitates a prompt evaluation of organ viability and the possibility of preserving tissue for optimal urinary and sexual outcomes. Interdisciplinary collaboration is required as the primary concern for management in cases of genital self-mutilation involving male genitalia and underlying psychological disorders.

Technical illustration of Volumetric arc conformal radiotherapy planning in a case of paratesticular sarcoma

AbstractIntroduction:Paratesticular sarcoma are extremely rare malignant tumours. Unlike other sites, they tend to be lower grade and have higher propensity of lymphatic spread. They tend to fail locally and occasionally in the regional lymph nodes. In the absence of target volume delineation guidelines and technical illustration of conformal planning, we have made an attempt to illustrate conformal planning methodology and define target volume based on current evidence in a case of paratesticular sarcoma.Methods:We are presenting a case of 62-year-old male who presented with 15-cm scrotal swelling and underwent high inguinal orchidectomy with ligation of spermatic cord. Histopathology presented a well-differentiated leiomyosarcoma of epididymis. Post-operative radiotherapy target volume included the tumour bed, ipsilateral inguinal nodes and lower pelvic nodes as the clinical target volume.Conclusion:Adjuvant radiotherapy using advanced delivery technique such as volumetric arc technique can provide good dose distribution with good sparing of organs at risk. The downside of conformal radiation delivery is that it is a resource-intensive and has no established target volume delineation guidelines.

Comparison of curative effect of different surgical methods on varicocele

Objective To compare the curative effect of three different surgical methods: peritoneal varicocele ligation, peritoneal single-port laparoscopy and microscopy on varicocele. Methods Retrospective analysis of the case data of 150 patients with varicocele treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from September 2016 to September 2018. The average age was 24.5 years, and the age range was 22-30 years. The patients were divided into three groups according to different surgical methods: open group, laparoscopy group and microscope group, with 50 cases in each group. Patients in the open group were treated with retroperitoneal spermatic cord ligation. Patients in the laparoscopic group were treated with single-hole laparoscopic laparoscopic surgery. Patients in the microscope group were treated with microscope surgery. Operation time, postoperative hospitalization time, hospitalization cost reserved arteries, surgical complications (such as testicular hydrocele, scrotal edema, epididymitis, testicular atrophy), recurrence, and semen quality improvement were compared between three groups. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation(Mean±SD), the two comparisons used the t test, the comparison between the three groups used the analysis of variance, and the comparison between the count data groups using the Chi-square test. Results The operation time of the patients in the microscope group [(52.52 ± 4.29) min] was longer than that of the open group [(36.60±3.69) min] and the laparoscopic group [(39.54±2.87) min]. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05); but the postoperative hospitalization time and hospitalization cost of patients in the microscope group [(2.16±0.95) d, (5 251 ± 300) yuan] were higher than those in the open group [(3.80±0.78) d, (64 75±415) yuan)]and the laparoscopic group [(3.28±1.01)d, (7 379±273) yuan] . The results of pairwise comparison showed that the difference between the microscope group, the open group and the laparoscopic group was statistically significant (P<0.05). Arterial preservation in the microscope group [47(94.0%)] were compared with the open group [35 (70.0%)], and laparoscopic group [30(60.0%)] had obvious advantages. Pairwise comparison results showed that the comparison between the microscope group and the open group and the laparoscopic group was statistically significant (P<0.05). After follow-up for six months, 2 cases were lost to follow-up in the microscope group, 1 cases were lost to the open group, and 5 case was lost to the unilateral laparoscopic group. 2(4.2%) patients had complications in the microscope group, and 14 (28.6%) patients had complications in the open group; 9 (20.0%) patients had complications in the laparoscopic group, and the total incidence of complications showed a pairwise comparison, the difference between the microscope group, the open group and the laparoscopic group was significant (P<0.05). The recurrence rate in the microscope group was 2.1% (1/48), the recurrence rate in the open group was 18.4% (9/49), and the recurrence rate in the laparoscopic group was 13.3% (6/45); the recurrence rate was compared in pairs, the difference between the microscope group, the open group and the laparoscopic group was significant (P<0.05) . The improvement rate of semen quality in the microscope group was 68.8% (33/48), the open group was 42.9%(21/49), the laparoscopic group was 55.6%(25/45), pairwise comparison results showed that the microscope group compared with the open group and laparoscopy group, the difference were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions Microscopic surgery has less trauma, faster postoperative recovery, shorter operation cost and hospitalization time. Postoperative complications and recurrence, and improved semen quality are all superior to open spermatic vein ligation and single-hole umbilical laparoscopic surgery, it is a safe and effective way to treat varicocele. Key words: Varicocele; Laparoscopes; Microscopy; High varicocele ligation; Comparative effectiveness research

Quelle prise en charge optimale pour un sarcome du cordon spermatique en 2018 ?

Spermatic cord sarcomas are rare tumors for which the most important is the initial diagnostic procedure. They are frequently misdiagnosed after surgery for inguinal hernia, inguinal lymphadenectomy or testicular malignancy. Any clinical suspicion has to lead to perform imaging with MRI and a core needle biopsy in order to obtain an accurate preoperative diagnosis. Liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma are the most common histological subtypes in elderly adults, rhabdomyosarcoma in children or in young adults. A CT scan will precede the treatment in order to look for distant metastasis and abdominal involvement. The therapeutic strategy as well as the surgical planning are then adapted to the histological, morphological and prognostic factors. Surgery is the cornerstone for the treatment of spermatic cord sarcoma. The minimum requirements for the surgical procedure are a wide excision of the tumor en bloc with radical orchidectomy, excision of the ipsilateral scrotum and high spermatic cord ligation. It could be enlarged to the anterior abdominal wall and adjacent organs some required a soft tissue flap. Spermatic cord sarcoma and trunk wall sarcoma have the same prognosis for which local recurrence could significantly decrease survival. Consequently, surgeon in charge with these tumors has to be familiar with soft tissue sarcoma and the management of these patients must be carried out under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team within the Netsarc network.

Analysis of clinicopathological features of the primary epididymis leiomyosarcoma

Objective To study the diagnosis, treatment and prognostic features of primary epididymis leiomyosarcoma. Methods The clinical data of five cases of leiomyosarcoma of the epididymis in Ji'nan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University were retrospectively reviewed and reviewed literatures to study the diagnosis, treatment and prognostic features. Results Five cases were underwent operation.Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of epididymis leiomyosarcoma.The patients were followed up for 3-32 months, 2 patients died due to multiple organs metastasis at 14 months and 25 months after operation.One patient died for acute myocardial infarction at 18 months after operation, 1 case was lost to follow up, 1 case was survival up to today. Conclusion Pathological examination is helpful in diagnosis.The radical inguinal orchiectomy with high ligation of the spermatic cord should be performed early.Primary epididymis leiomyosarcoma has highly aggressive course and prognosis is poor. Key words: Epididymis leiomyosarcoma; Diagnosis methods; Treatment; Prognosis

Decision Making for Cryptorchid Castration; a Retrospective Analysis of 280 Cases

The location of an undescended testicle influences the choice of surgical technique for efficient cryptorchid castration. We review a standardized protocol for preoperative examination to dictate surgical approach to cryptorchidism. Cases are split into two periods: 2004–2006 and 2007–2014. In 2004–2006, conventional cryptorchidectomy and laparoscopic cryptorchid castration (standing) were both offered, but the choice of technique was based primarily on owners' preference for a recumbent or standing procedure. In 2007–2014, ultrasonography was used to locate the testes and dictate the preferred surgical approach; for abdominal testes, laparoscopic intraabdominal spermatic cord ligation without orchidectomy was preferred and for inguinal testes, conventional open orchidectomy. The numbers of animals requiring a second procedure to complete castration were compared between the two periods. In addition, failure rates for individual testes grouped by location were determined separately for the different techniques, and the value of preoperative ultrasonography to locate the retained testes was assessed. In 2004–2006, 15.3% (20/131) of the cryptorchids needed more than one surgery to complete castration, compared to 0.7% (1/144) in 2007–2014. Failure rates for laparoscopic castration were 0/168 (0%) for abdominal, 3/40 (7.5%) for inguinal, and 9/55 (16.4%) for scrotal testes; for conventional castration, failure was recorded for 3/12 (25%) abdominal and 0/92 (0%) inguinal testes. For 94% (156/166) of retained testes, ultrasound-based preoperative advice on surgical approach was correct. Using a standardized preoperative examination to determine choice of surgical technique significantly (P < .001) reduced the number of second surgeries needed to complete castration. Preoperative ultrasound is therefore a useful aid to determining the surgical approach to cryptorchid castration.

Paratesticular Liposarcoma of the Spermatic Cord: A Rare Case

Spermatic cord liposarcomas (LPS) are rare representing 7% of paratesticular sarcomas. The most present as slow growing inguinal or scrotal masses that need to be differentiated from inguinal hernias, testicular tumors, hydrocele, and benign lipomas. A 57-year-old male presented with right scrotal swelling since 1 year that grew rapidly in last 4 months. On examination, a firm, nontender mass was felt in the right scrotum measuring 12 cm × 8 cm. A clinical diagnosis of right testicular tumor was made. Ultrasound scrotum large, heteroechoeic mass separate from right testis. Magnetic resonance imaging scrotum well-defined, homogenously enhancing extra testicular mass with fat component? Paratesticular lipoma/liposarcoma. Right radical orchiectomy, high ligation of spermatic cord, and excision of mass en bloc were performed. Gross findings: Multiple, globular, gray yellow, firm masses seen in the paratesticular area and spermatic cord, the largest measuring 11 cm × 7 cm × 5 cm. Testis, epididymis-normal. Cut surface–solid, yellowish white with myxoid areas. Microscopy-mature adipocytes of varying sizes separated by dense fibrillary fibrocollagenous stroma with pleomorphic, bizarre stromal cells, and multinucleate giant cells. Interspersed areas showed extensive mast cell infiltration and myxoid change. Diagnosis, well-differentiated liposarcoma/atypical lipomatous tumor sclerosing type of paratesticular area (spermatic cord). Paratesticular LPS of spermatic cord are rare tumors often misdiagnosed clinically resulting in incomplete excision and high recurrences. This report highlights the need of considering liposarcoma as a differential diagnosis in inguinoscrotal masses and stresses the role of histopathological examination in making a definitive diagnosis, which cannot be established clinically/radiologically.

Pinhole castration technique: An alternative to orchiectomy in stray dogs

The study evaluates a pinhole castration technique in male stray dogs. Animals (n=18) were randomly allotted to 2 groups: group I (n=12, pinhole castration) and group II (n=6, sham control). Percutaneous (in situ) spermatic cord ligation was performed under xylazine–ketamine anesthesia in all animals of group I. Scrotal and the testicular dimensions and testicular volume were measured on day 28 followed by bilateral orchiectomy in both the groups. Significantly lower readings were obtained from animals of group I when compared with pre-ligation readings as well as the corresponding readings from group II animals. In ligated animals volume of testicles showed a reduction by 40.57%. Histopathological examination of testicles revealed degeneration and atrophy in Group I animals. On the whole pinhole castration was found effective, minimally invasive, cheap, simple and a quick technique for male dog sterilization with potential for adoption in large-scale animal birth control programs.

Non-Surgical Castration in Bucks A Comparative Study between Chemical Castration and External Ligation of the Spermatic Cord

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intra-testicular injection of formalin and external ligation of the spermatic cord in inducing sterilization in bucks. Twelve's adult bucks were used which allocated randomly and equally into three groups. The first group served as a control group injected (5) ml distilled water intra-testicular, while the second group injected (5) ml of 3% formalin and in the third group external ligation of spermatic cord with silk was used.Blood samples were collected from all bucks prior and post to treatment to assay serum testosterone level. In addition, semen samples were collected via artificial vagina to evaluate some semen parameters.Clinical follow-up of animals revealed no any secondary complications in control group, while treatment group showed certain minor complications such as testicular swelling, hydrocele, scrotal ulcer and lameness which disappeared in a short time.Results indicated that testosterone level were significantly decline P&lt;0.05 in the second and third groups, it reached to (0.30±0.05) and (1.66±0.25) ng/ml respectively at the end of experiment.All semen parameters were significantly P&lt;0.05 decreased on days 21 and 28 in treatment groups, in which there was seminal plasma only, absence of sperm motility, zero sperm concentration and no viable sperms.All animals subjected to traditional castration on 30 and 60 days post-injection or ligation to harvested testicular biopsies for histopathological examination. Testicular sections revealed depletion of sertoli cells and interstitial fibrosis which replaced leydig cells. These changes were more severe in chemical group when compared with ligation group. This means that both techniques reflected their ability to impair or stop the testicular functions with superiority of chemical castration.

Castration of Iraqi local bucks by bilateral spermatic cord torsion compared with double ligation of spermatic cord

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of using spermatic cord torsion as one of the easy castration techniques in Iraqi local black goat, and compared with double ligation of the spermatic cord also to be acquainted if the age of animals has an effect on spermatic cord torsion technique. This present study was done in the animals farm of the college of the veterinary medicine of Al-Qadissiya university, 30 local male blackbucks (15 kids of 2.5 - 3 months) (15 adult bucks of 13 - 15 months) with body weight (13.4 ± 2.21) and (31.9 ± 3.25) Kg respectively, were supplied for two symmetrical experiments, each one included division the animals randomly to three groups, first group (G1) left as control , Second group (G2) had spermatic cord ligation of both testes and third group (G3) had bilateral spermatic cord torsion and after two months orchiectomy of all tests were done to study the dimensions, the weight, histopathology of the testes and the level of serum testosterone hormone. The results revealed that the castration lead significance (P&lt;0.01) to increase the body weight of both kids and bucks as compared with control, the maximum weight gained was in the bilateral spermatic cord torsion, while in the kids was the ligation group. Weights, lengths, and circumferences of both testes of all animals showed a significant decrease (P&lt;0.01) as compared with control animals. Testosterone hormone analysis revealed a significant decrease (P&lt;0.01) in its level in all castrated groups when compared with control group. Seminal analysis showed a significant decrease (P&lt;0.01) (seminal plasma only) for the volume, concentration, viability, individual and mass motility of the sperms of the all castrated animals as compared with control. The histopathological study of all treated testes corroborated there were a severe degeneration and fibrosis in the testicular tissue as well as in the Sertoli and Leydig cells and complete suppression of spermatogenesis in all treated groups. The conclusion that spermatic cord torsion caused damage to the testes as ligation did with no effect of age of animals on this technique.

Laparoscopic Animal Surgery for Training Without Sacrificing Animals; Introducing the Rabbit as a Model for Infantile Laparoscopy

Improvement in laparoscopic skills requires practicing, and it is mostly beneficial when live animal models are considered for use. Apart from pelvic trainer, dogs and rabbits are used as the animal models for training laparoscopic surgeries at our center. Every effort is made to keep the animals alive after surgery. From January 2007 to January 2010, German shepherd dogs and Angora rabbits were selected as the animal models for laparoscopic skill training. Under general anesthesia, trainees performed several laparoscopic surgeries under the supervision of experienced surgeons. A total number of 72 animals including 54 dogs and 18 rabbits were used for training laparoscopy. In total, some 107 different laparoscopic procedures were performed by trainees including nephrectomy, nephropexy, vesicotomy and vesicorrhaphy, vasectomies, spermatic cord ligation, and unilateral oophrectomy. There were one vascular and two visceral injuries in the rabbit model that were laparoscopically controlled, and conversion to open surgery happened in one case due to the failure in extracting the specimen from the abdominal cavity. Three visceral and six vascular injuries occurred in the canine model. Total mortality was five including three rabbits and two dogs. The sacrifice of the animal is important to be avoided from both ethical and technical stand points. Dogs and rabbits are good models for laparoscopic training in urology, and it is possible to keep the animals alive after surgery by close monitoring. We also found the rabbit to be a good model for practicing infantile laparoscopic surgery, as it simulates the real surgery in this difficult age group.

Sex cord-stromal tumors of the testis in children. A clinicopathologic report from the Italian TREP project

Purpose Testicular sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) are very rare in children and include a variety of neoplasms with different clinical features and biologic behavior. Aim of the study was to report the clinical findings and results observed in a series of patients with testicular SCST, registered in a multi-institutional Italian network on rare tumors in children and adolescents. Materials and Methods The records of 11 patients, enrolled in 6 Italian centers from January 2000 to December 2008, were reviewed. The Children's Oncology Group (COG) staging system was adopted. Chemotherapy was recommended in patients with incomplete surgery or metastatic disease. Results A testicular mass was the most common symptom. All patients underwent primary removal of the tumor; orchiectomy with high ligation of spermatic cord was performed in 7 and tumor enucleation in 4. At histology, 4 patients had Leydig cell tumors, 4 juvenile granulosa cell tumors, 1 Sertoli cell tumor, 1 incompletely differentiated SCST, and 1 SCST with an intermediate pattern Sertoli cell tumor/mixed form. The histology of 8 of 11 cases was reviewed and investigated through immunohistochemical stains. Ten children were in stage I; 1 patient, who did not undergo hemiscrotectomy after enucleation through a transscrotal access, was considered stage II. All the patients are in first complete remission (mean follow-up, 59 months; range, 8-94). Conclusions Our experience confirmed the rarity of testicular SCST. They have to be considered in the differential diagnosis of testicular solid masses, taking into account that hormonal signs are present in a minority of cases. All patients were cured with surgery alone. The sparing surgery represented a choice in selected cases.

Evaluation of pinhole castration technique in rams

Polled Dorset-Corriedale crossbred rams ( n = 18) were randomly and equally allotted to one of the three groups and subjected to percutaneous spermatic cord ligation (group I – bilateral, II – unilateral and III – no ligation). Six months later, animals of all the groups were subjected to bilateral orchiectomy. All the ligated testicles had shrunken considerably. The scrotal circumference (mean ± S.E.) of the animals of group I reduced significantly ( P < 0.05) from 31.25 ± 1.20 to 17.18 ± 1.18 cm. The length of the ligated testes in animals of group I ( n = 12) and II ( n = 6) put together also reduced significantly ( P < 0.05) from 12.59 ± 0.68 to 8.23 ± 0.57 cm. Immediately before orchiectomy, the length of the unligated testes of group II was 15.67 ± 0.42 cm (mean ± S.E.) which was significantly ( P < 0.05) more than the values (12.57 ± 0.38) of group III animals The weight of the ‘ligated testes’ in animals of group I and II together was 51.67 ± 3.67 g (mean ± S.E.). This value was significantly ( P < 0.05) lower than that of the unligated testes of group III (266.67 ± 5.21 g). The weight of the unligated testes of group II rams increased by 36.13%. Histological examination of the atrophic testis revealed seminiferous tubules devoid of spermatogonial cells but showed areas of calcification. The Pinhole technique requires no special instrument, is simple, less painful and cost effective alternative procedure of castration in farm animals.

Léiomyosarcome de l’épididyme : à propos d’un cas avec revue de la littérature

Primary epididymal leiomyosarcoma is uncommon: only 16 cases has been reported in the literature. We present an additionnal case in a 78-year-old man, treated for a prostatic adenocarcinoma by gonadorelin (LH-RH) analogue, who had an epididymal tumor. A right orchidectomy with high ligation of the spermatic cord was performed. The diagnostic of primary leiomyosarcoma of the epididymis was made. The patient is dead 2 years later with no recurrence of disease. A review of reported cases is made.

Pinhole Castration: A Novel Minimally Invasive Technique for In Situ Spermatic Cord Ligation

To describe a minimally invasive technique for castration of bull calves by in situ ligation of the spermatic cord. Experimental study. Male calves (n=6) aged, 48-56 days. Calves were blocked by weight and then separated into 3 groups: (1) bilateral spermatic cord ligation; (2) unilateral-1 spermatic cord ligated; and (3) control-neither spermatic cord ligated. After local anesthesia, in situ spermatic cord ligation was achieved by restraining the cord laterally within the scrotal sac and passing suture through a hypodermic needle inserted caudal to cranial at the neck of the scrotum and adjacent the medial margin of the restrained spermatic cord. The needle was removed leaving the suture in place and the spermatic cord repositioned medially, then the needle was reinserted through the original holes and the suture passed back through the needle, which was withdrawn. The suture ends were tied ligating the spermatic cord, leaving the knot subcutaneously. Calves were monitored and testes removed after 30 days for gross and histologic examination. Castration was accomplished without postoperative complications. Spermatic cord ligation resulted in testis atrophy, and histologically, complete ischemic necrosis. This novel minimally invasive technique is a simple, alternative method for castration of bull calves. This method of castration is simply performed, without obvious skin wounds, and no postoperative care needed. The technique should be readily adaptable to other species.

The effects of unilateral testicular ischemia and hemicastration on contralateral testicular IGF-1 level, histology and lipid peroxidation

Hemicastration is followed by compansatory hypertrophy whereas unilateral testicular torsion is followed by atrophy in contralateral testicle in rats. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) has important roles in testicular paracrine and autocrine functions. In this study it was aimed to compare ischemic parameters and IGF-1 levels in the contralateral testicle in unilateral spermatic cord ligation, testicular torsion, and hemicastratron. 32 wistar rats were equally altocated into sham, ligation, torsion, and hemicastration groups. In ligation group, right spermatic cord was ligated with 3/0 silk suture. In the torsion group, right testis was tcrsed for 720 degrees. In hemicastration group, right orchiectomy was done. 48 hours later left orchiectomy was done in all groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and IGF-1 levels were determined in the testicle. Average values of the groups were compared with Anova followed by Dunnett T3 multiple comparison tests. MDA levels were significantly reduced in ligation and torsion groups (p < 0.05). This reduction was more prominent in hemicastration group (p < 0.05). Contralateral testicular IGF-1 levels in ligation and torsion groups were not different compared with the sham group. Left testicular IGF-1 level in the hemicastration group was decreased significantly compared with other groups (p < 0.05). Histological. changes evaluated. Contralateral Johnsen's testicular biopsy scores were significantly decreased in all experimental groups but mean tubular diameter was not changed in all groups.