Influence of inguinal hernia repair on male fertility

Male infertility is a rare but certainly underestimated iatrogenic complication of inguinal hernia repair. The use of polypropylene mesh, recommended by the European Hernia Society, either via the traditional, open or laparoscopic approach, is responsible for surrounding inflammation followed by fibrosis, but there is no proven increase in vas deferens obstruction found in the literature. Prevention is essential to reduce the incidence of this complication including screening for patients at risk and mastery of surgical techniques.