An Experimental Study of Testicular Fixation and Histopathologic Changes of Testis after Testicular Fixation in Rats

Hyun, Jae Seog; Kim, Young Sun; Kim, Kyung Do

Abstract

Orchiopexy is the generally recommended procedure to treat and to prevent intravaginal testicular torsion. But recurrent torsion of the previously fixed testis has been reported infrequently. Failure of orchiopexy leading to recurrent torsion has been attributed by some to use of absorbable suture material and as a result nonabsorbable sutures often has been recommended. To determine whether there were differences between absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures, and also to study various surgical and chemical methods to produce fixation between the testis and scrotal wall, we used rats as an experimental model of orchiopexy. Eversion of the tunica vaginalis with absorbable and nonabsorbable suture to dartos muscle produced excellent scarification. Eversion of the tunica vaginalis without suture also produced good scarification but less than above method. Absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures between tunica albuginea and tunica vaginalis produced only minor degree of inflammation. Tetracycline instillation similarly failed to produce a significant inflammation. Histopathologic changes of testis after orchiopexy were also studied. The main histopathologic changes were inflammatory reaction, interference of local blood flow and obstruction of seminiferous tubules. So it can be suggested that testicular injury after orchiopexy can be developed.