Inguinal reoperation for undescended testis and hernia: approach to the spermatic cord through the cremaster fascia.

PURPOSE

Reoperation of the inguinal canal is difficult with few available lucid descriptions of the technique. We reviewed our experience with a unique surgical approach to the spermatic cord through the cremaster fascia in patients who had undergone previous operations for undescended testis or hernia and report its outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 54 inguinal reoperations were performed in 45 boys with an undescended testis or indirect inguinal hernia using a unique surgical approach through the cremaster fascia.

RESULTS

Of the 54 inguinal canal reoperations surgery was successful in all but 1 patient who sustained a transected vas deferens (1.8% complication rate).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical approach to the inguinal canal through the cremaster fascia is an effective technique for reoperation of the inguinal canal after orchiopexy or hernial repair.