Applied anatomy of the cremasteric muscle and fascia.

PURPOSE: Although the cremasteric muscle is a prominent structure of the inguinal canal, specific details of its anatomy are seldom discussed in either anatomical or surgical texts. Therefore, a detailed description of the anatomy of the cremasteric muscle and fascia is provided, followed by descriptions of new applications of this knowledge for operations on the inguinal canal.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Observations are described based on more than 1,000 operations on the inguinal canal conducted during a 15-year period. Magnification of 3.5 x was used in all dissections.

RESULTS

Careful dissections of the cremasteric muscle and fascia allowed for development of new approaches to enhance exposure of the inguinal canal and internal ring, and to mobilize the spermatic cord and testes.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the anatomy of the cremasteric muscle and fascia, and techniques for dissection are adjuncts to surgery of the inguinal canal, including inguinal hernia repair and orchiopexy.