Testicular Perfusion in the Assessment of the Inguinal Canal Autoplasty by Transferred Aponeurotic Flap

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Numerous methods of eliminating abdominal wall defects developed in the world today do not allow us to talk about solving the problem of hernias. In particular, the causes of chronic postoperative pain associated with the effect of scarring on the spermatic cord have not been fully studied. Testicular flow studies after hernia repair mostly showed different outcomes. AIM: Comparative assessment of blood flow parameters of the testicular, capsular and intratesticular arteries, as well as the diameter of the testicular artery after autoplasty with a displaced aponeurotic flap and Lichtenstein hernioplasty using ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new method of autoplasty was used in 35 patients (Group I). The comparison group (Group II) amounted to 35 patients with Lichtenstein hernioplasty surgery using partially absorbable mesh endoprosthesis (UltraPro). The dynamics of changes in blood flow in the arteries was assessed using color Doppler before surgery, in the early and late postoperative periods. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon paired test showed a significant difference between preoperative and immediately postoperative measurements in both groups. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found in the end-diastolic velocity and resistance index in the testicular, capsular and intratesticular arteries 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The difference in peak systolic velocity was significant in the testicular artery also in the late stages after hernioplasty. The diameter of the testicular artery tended to increase in dynamics, but there was no any statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The method of autoplasty in the inguinal canal with a displaced aponeurotic flap does not significantly affect testicular perfusion. In Group II, arterial blood flow indicators 6 months and 1 year after surgery were lower than basal values and had statistically significant differences compared to Group I.