Background: Previous studies have documented that the use of synthetic prosthesis in repair of inguinal hernia
markedly reduces the incidence of recurrence. However, little is known about the effect of these prostheses on the spermatic cord contents. This work was carried out to study the histopathological changes in response to contact with the commonly used prostheses (Prolene & Mersilene) on spermatic cord contents in male dogs.
Materials and Methods: Thirty two male dogs were included in this study. The spermatic cords and testes were harvested from 2 dogs as a base line for the normal histology. The remaining 30 dogs were divided into 3 main groups. In the first (control) group (G1,n=10), the spermatic cord was delivered, its coverings were dissected and left intact on one side but on the other side it was skeletonized by removing its coverings. In the second group (GII,n=10), a strip of polypropylene (Prolene) mesh was wrapped snugly without strangulation around the dissected intact cord on one side and the skeletonized cord on the other side. A polyester (Mersilene) mesh was similarly applied in the third group (GIII,n=10). In each group, the spermatic cords and testes were examined histopathologically one week, and three months postoperatively.
Results: At one week, the microscopic examination of the spermatic cord contents revealed more acute inflammatory reaction in mesh groups than the control. This reaction considerably subsided after three months with varying degrees and patterns of fibrous tissue deposition. These changes were more noticed in GIII than GII and in skeletonized cords than intact ones. The testes of all animals showed no histopathological changes.
Conclusion: This experimental study proved the safety of the used non-absorbable prostheses on the spermatic cord contents and testes. Prolene mesh without skeletonization of the cord revealed more favorable results than Mersilene one.