The testes after unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia in prepubertal rats

The ipsilateral and contralateral testes after unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia were evaluated, and compared to the contralateral testis after unilateral testicular torsion in 30 prepubertal rats. Control, torsion and detorsion at 24 hours, and incarcerated inguinal hernia and reduction in the 24 hour groups, each consisting of ten rats were established. The testes were harvested after 15 days. Mean seminiferous tubular diameters (MSTD) and mean testicular biopsy scores (MTBS) were determined and compared. A decrease in MSTD and depression in MTBS, which was more prominent in the ipsilateral testes, were found in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes following unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia. The testicular damage encountered after unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia was similar to the contralateral testicular damage following unilateral testicular torsion with the utilized parameters.