US EPA

1978155 

Journal Article 

Effects of longstanding inguinal hernia on the microstructure of testis and spermatic tract system 

Zaidi, MT; Khan, AA 

2011 

1 

Biomedical Research
ISSN: 0970-938X
EISSN: 0976-1683 

22 

2 

183-186 

English 

WOS:000300381000006 

http://://WOS:000300381000006
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Scrotal position of testes in man is believed to be a
homeothermic specialization. Maldescent of testis is known to be associated with male
infertility. Contents of longstanding hernia coming in close contact with the spermatic tract
system are expected to disturb the thermoregulatory process of testis and hence likely to affect
the spermatogenesis. In the present study a 50-year-old male had a long-standing right inguinal
hernia. He was operated and. large defect necessitated ligation and excision of spermatic cord
along with herniorrhaphy. Tissues thus obtained (Testis, Epididymis, Vas deferens and associated
blood vessels) were fixed in 10% formalin and processed for paraffin sections. Observations were
made on H & E and Weigert stained slides under light microscope. In the testis the tubular
basement membrane appeared thickened, all stages of spermatogenic cells were scanty and tubular
lumen was completely devoid of sperms. The interstitial cells of Leydig appeared hyperplastic and
hypertrophied. Duct of epididymis was appeared normal with preservation of characteristic
stereocilia. However, the part of the duct located relatively deep in the body of epididymis
showed degenerative changes. The ductus deferens had normal microstructure. Testicular artery
lumen was full of blood and its all tunics revealed features of both hyperplasia and hypertrophy
to the extent that overall thickness of its tunics matched with that of the ductus deferens. Vein
also revealed congestion. It was concluded that long standing inguinal hernia even in the absence
of varicocele has harmful effect on the spermatogenesis and hence warrants early treatment. 

Inguinal hernia; Spermatogenesis; Leydig cells; Thermoregulation; Spermatic tract