Association of epididymal anomalies with patent processus vaginalis in hernia, hydrocele and cryptorchidism.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a prospective study to assess the relationship between epididymal anomalies and patency of the processus vaginalis in boys presenting with hernia, hydrocele or cryptorchidism.


METHODS
The degree of patency of the processus vaginalis (closed, partially closed or open) and morphology of the ipsilateral epididymis were recorded in 159 consecutive inguinal explorations.


RESULTS
A closed, partially closed and open processus vaginalis was associated with an abnormal epididymis in 14, 36 and 69% of cases, respectively. Epididymal anomalies were more frequent in association with undescended (72%) than descended (34%) testes.


CONCLUSIONS
These data confirm the observation of a higher incidence of epididymal anomalies associated with patency of the processus vaginalis irrespective of testicular position, and they support the theory that androgenic stimulation may be required for closure of the processus vaginalis as well as epididymal development.
Department of Urology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
J S
JS
Barthold
J F
JF
Redman
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004822:Epididymis / Q000002:abnormalities*; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000002:abnormalities*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006848:Testicular Hydrocele / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology