Background
Congenital abnormalities of the vas deferens are very uncommon. Duplicate vas deferens is a rare abnormality. It is the presence of two separate vasa deferentia within one spermatic cord. It has been encountered during inguinal hernia repair, orchidopexy, varicocoelectomy, vasectomy and radical prostatectomy. Identification of the vas deferens is mandatory during surgeries involving manipulation of the spermatic cord because if duplication exists and is not detected, there is increased chance of iatrogenic injury.
Case presentation
We present a 3-year-old boy with duplicate vas deferens identified during herniotomy for a right hydrocele. A postoperative abdominopelvic ultrasound scan revealed no abnormalities.
Conclusion
The risk of iatrogenic injury to the vas is increased in the presence of a duplication. A deliberate identification of the vas during procedures involving manipulation of the spermatic cord reduces this risk.