Effect of Bilateral Inguinal Mesh Hernioplasty on Vas Deferens Function and Vascular Status of Testes

It is well recognized and established that the fibroblastic process around the polypropylene mesh is essential for posterior wall reinforcement but can also be harmful to organs and tissue structures around the mesh which can trap and damage contents of the spermatic cord. Therefore, it is of concern and there is a strong rationale that such a process especially in a bilateral tension free mesh repair can cause inguinal vasal obstruction leading to infertility. 25 patients at MGM Medical College and Hospital were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively after1,2 and 3 months using Color Doppler of testes and Semen Analysis. 16 % of the cases i.e only 4 patients showed some effect on vas deference function and vascular status of testis in the form of oligospermia, oligoasthenospermia and or reduced vascularity of testis. patients in whom oligospermia or reduced vascularity of testes was observed were clinically and statistically non significant and was most probably a result of improper surgical technique and traumatic handling of spermatic cord structures and not due to fibroplastic reaction of the mesh. Thus mesh hernioplasty continues to be the ideal surgical repair for inguinal hernia.