Volumetric and histological findings in intra-abdominal testes before and after division of spermatic vessels.

PURPOSE: Increased use of video laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of the impalpable testis has encouraged use of the 2-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. To date, however, few limited studies exist to indicate whether clipping and division of the spermatic vessels alone may cause histological abnormalities in the intra-abdominal testis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We evaluated histology and volume of 44 intra-abdominal testes in 35 patients between 4 months and 14 years old at stages 1 and 2 of the Fowler-Stephens procedure.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in the number of spermatogonia and seminiferous tubules 6 months after ligation and division of the spermatic vessels. No differences were found in the number of Sertoli cells or testicular volume before and after clipping and division of the spermatic vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

Ligation of the spermatic vessels during stage 1 orchiopexy for intra-abdominal testicles is associated with a significant reduction of spermatogonia. However, no significant changes were observed in the volumetric characteristics of the testicles. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the repercussions of these changes in future fertility.