Impact of Herniorraphy Technique on Testicular Perfusion

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed operations. The Lichtenstein hernia repair is the most popular hernia repair technique in general surgical practice. However, totally extraperitoneal-preperitoneal hernia repair technique has been frequently used technique recently. The aim of this prospective, randomized, clinical study was to evaluate testicular perfusion after these 2 procedures. METHODS: In our prospective randomized study, 32 male patients, aged 33 to 72 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria underwent elective herniorraphy for groin hernia. The patients were randomly assigned into either Lichtenstein hernia repair (n=16) or totally extraperitoneal-preperitoneal hernia repair (n=16) group according to their admittance. Color Doppler ultrasonography of the testes was performed on all patients 1 day before the operation, 3 days and 6 months after the operation. RESULTS: The results of the resistive index of the both groups; Lichtenstein hernia repair and totally extraperitoneal-preperitoneal hernia repair are statistically insignificant in all preoperative, early and late postoperative periods (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Either Lichtenstein hernia repair or totally extraperitoneal-preperitoneal hernia repair does not effect the testicular perfusion.