Comparison of Orchidopexy in children, with or without Hernia Sac Ligation: One Center Experience

Abstract

Introduction: One of the common proceduresperformed by pediatric surgeons around the world is cryptorchidism (undescended testis). The closure of the hernial sac during orchidopexy is regarded to be necessary to prevent the development of a hernia after surgery. Some studies stated that they had adopted the method of orchidopexy without hernia sac ligation at their institution. The goal of our study is to look back on our experiences and analyze the outcomes of the non-ligation technique of the hernial sac during the orchidopexy. Methods: From January 2014 to April 2020, a retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Taif, Saudi Arabia, to determine the efficiency of orchidopexy without hernial sac ligation in pediatric males aged 9 months to 12 years. Results: In the study of 99 patients (115 testicles), orchidopexy without sac ligation was performed in 52 patients (61 testicles), while orchidopexy with hernia sac ligation was performed in 47 patients (54 testicles). During the early stages of follow-up, we never encounter complications such as hydrocele or inguinal hernias. Conclusion: The results of our study validate the feasibility and safety of the hernia sac non-ligation technique during orchidopexy in children since it had no negative effects on early complications, particularly the incidence of hernia or recurrence rate. Keywords: Undescended Testicles, Orchidopexy, Hernia Sac, Processus Vaginalis, Non-ligation, cryptorchidism .