The fate of testes following unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia in adult rats.

The histological effects of unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia on the ipsilateral and contralateral testes were examined in adult rats. Three groups were established. In the first group the left testis and caecum were exposed and replaced. In group 2 a left-sided incarcerated inguinal hernia was created with bilateral orchiectomy 24 h later. In group 3 a left-sided incarcerated inguinal hernia was created with reduction after 24 h. The testes of animals in groups 1 and 3 were removed after 15 days. The mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD) and mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) were determined for ipsilateral and contralateral testes in each of the 3 groups. A decreased MSTD and depressed MTBS, were pronounced in the ipsilateral testes, were found in the testes of group 3 animals. While unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernias caused more pronounced histological changes in the ipsilateral testes, they also affected the contralateral testes, but a time interval was required for the changes to become manifest.