[Male reproductive function after inguinal hernia]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Herniotomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Standard herniotomy may lead to complications affecting male reproductive health.
• Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly explored for surgical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the reproductive function and treatment outcomes of standard versus endosurgical herniotomy.
• To evaluate the impact of different surgical approaches on testicular microcirculation, hormonal levels, and sperm quality.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 59 male patients (aged 17-32) undergoing either standard (28) or endosurgical (31) herniotomy.
• Comparison with a control group of 30 healthy males.
• 6-month follow-up assessing complications, testicular blood flow, hormonal levels, spermogram, and cremasteric reflex.

Main Results:

• Endosurgical herniotomy showed no significant complications (hydroscheocele, hydrocele, testicular atrophy, diminished blood flow).
• Reproductive parameters (ejaculate, sex hormones, cremasteric reflex) remained intact after endosurgical intervention.
• Standard herniotomy resulted in microcirculation defects, testicular atrophy (25%), reduced testicular circulation (2.2-2.5 fold), impaired spermogram, and lower testosterone levels.

Conclusions:

• Endosurgical herniotomy is a safer alternative, preserving male reproductive function.
• Standard herniotomy carries a significant risk of reproductive complications and hormonal disturbances.
• Minimally invasive approaches offer superior outcomes for patients undergoing herniotomy.