Testicular atrophy as a sequela of inguinal hernioplasty.

Testicular atrophy is a sequela of inguinal hernioplasty which angers men of all ages. The complication is due to thrombosis of the veins of the spermatic cord from the trauma of surgical dissection intrinsic in all inguinal hernioplasties and is not due to incorrect reconstruction of the inguinal rings or to some intangible infection. Trauma to the cord from surgical dissection can be minimized and the incidence of testicular atrophy reduced by leaving, whenever possible, the distal part of all but the smallest of indirect inguinal hernia sacs in place, undissected and attached to the cord.