Vas deferens obstruction due to fibrosis after plug hernioplasty

The positioning of mesh and plug is routinely performed in hernioplasty, but knowledge about the long-term side effects of plug-induced fibrosis on the vas is incomplete. This is the first case of a documented fibrotic vas deferens obstruction resulting from compression of the plug that was in direct contact with the vas. During subsequent repair for a recurrent hernia, the cord and the plug appeared enveloped in dense fibrous tissue. Microscopy confirmed gross surgical findings. To reduce this morbidity, we suggest a cremaster sparing surgery, avoiding the positioning of bioprosthesis in direct contact with the vas deferens. We also found that positioning of a flat mesh over the transversalis fascia will avoid the unnecessary contact between mesh and bare vas below the transversalis fascia.