Does contraction of mesh following tension free hernioplasty effect testicular or femoral vessel blood flow?

Prosthetic mesh can contract by 20-75% of its original size within ten months after implantation. We set out to determine whether this contraction has any effect on testicular or femoral vessel blood flow following open or laparoscopic hernia repair. Twenty patients who underwent mesh repair of a primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair by Open (10) or Laparoscopic (10) methods a median of 3 years previously were investigated by ultrasound to determine the haemodynamic characteristics of the testis and femoral vessels. There was no significant difference in testicular blood flow, volume or echogenicity between the different types of repair or the contralateral side. The vertical and transverse dimensions of the femoral artery and vein were similar in all groups as was blood flow. Mesh contraction following inguinal hernioplasty does not adversely affect the testis or femoral vessels and can be used safely for both anterior and preperitoneal approaches.