Proximally Directed Double-looped Epididymis and Vas Deferens Simulating Vas Duplication: The Importance of Precise Definition of Abnormal Ductal Anatomy in Cryptorchidism.

OBJECTIVE: Epididymal and vasal abnormalities are frequently recognized with undescended testes. The most common defect identified is the extended or elongated epididymis, an anomaly in which the epididymal tail extends distally beyond the testis before looping back upon itself, then following its normal course. Although the impact on fertility has not been established, the necessity of recognizing these vaso-epididymal abnormalities surgically is obvious as these frequently simulate a blind-ending spermatic cord leading to inadvertent excision or leaving the unseen testis more proximally in the abdomen. With this in mind, we describe a more complex vaso-epididymal structural abnormality with proximal extension of the epididymis and vas simulating duplication of these structures.

METHODS: The varied surgical findings of a proximally directed double-looped abnormal epididymis and vas deferens associated with cryptorchid testes were identified in 15 children. In all instances, the epididymis extended proximally up the spermatic cord for at least 4 cm, simulating reduplication of the vas deferens and leading to bizarre ductal anatomy and confusing anatomical findings.

RESULTS: In our practice, a number of abnormalities of the vaso-epididymal structures have been defined, but we isolated a number of situations in which identification of a proximally directed double-looped epididymis was noted during surgical exploration for cryptorchidism. Our review demonstrated several situations such as this where misidentification could have resulted in inadvertent transection of the vas deferens.

CONCLUSION: The need for recognition of these unusual ductal abnormalities associated with cryptorchid testes is re-emphasized by these extreme examples to prevent surgical mishaps at orchidopexy.