Testicular Atrophy Following Inguinal Hernia Repairs: Are We Doing Enough in Prevention and Counseling?

Abstract

Testicular atrophy is a rare complication of hernia repairs which often results in litigations. While early detection and treatment of ischemic orchitis obviate this grave complication, good communication and adequate counseling are known to minimize the associated litigations. Herein, we report two cases of testicular atrophy following herniorrhaphy. Both patients noticed scrotal pain and swelling within three days after the surgery and were given antibiotics and analgesia by the attending surgeons. They subsequently developed a gradual reduction in testicular volume after two months with severe atrophy of the affected testis. The objectives of this case series are to emphasize the need for immediate evaluation of genital symptoms such as scrotal pain, swelling, and redness after inguinal hernia repairs and the need to counsel patients for possible orchitis, atrophy, and testicular loss before any groin surgery.