Iatrogenic ascent of the testis: an under-recognized complication of inguinal hernia operation in children.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of iatrogenic ascent of the testis following inguinal hernia repair in children.


METHODS
A total of 627 children underwent 747 groin explorations for inguinal hernia between January 1981 and December 1984. A retrospective review of their charts until December 1991 was undertaken.


RESULTS
Nine patients subsequently required orchidopexies at a mean interval of 3 years 171 days (range 229 days-6 years 6 months). The incidence of iatrogenic ascent of the testis was 1.3% (6/459) for patients under 2 years of age at the initial operation, 1.3% (2/155) for those between 2 years and 5 years and 0.75% (1/133) for those above 5 years.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of iatrogenic ascent of the testis was 1.2% after groin exploration for inguinal herniotomy in children, indicating the need for long-term follow-up.
Surana
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Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
Puri
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P
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies