title: Bilateral endoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair does not induce obstructive azoospermia: data of a retrospective and prospective trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh repair is nowadays a well-established tension-free method for inguinal hernia repair. Mainly based on animal studies and case reports, a concern about the risk of postoperative infertility was expressed. This clinical study aimed to evaluate the risk of infertility due to obstructive azoospermia in men of fertile age who underwent a bilateral hernia repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  Over 3 years (2005-2008) 59 male patients, 18-60 years of age, underwent a bilateral TEP repair. Twenty-one of them were prospectively ("light mesh") and 38 retrospectively ("heavy mesh") evaluated for testicular volume and perfusion, serum levels of sexual hormones, ejaculate volume, and number of spermatic cells. Those parameters were determined preoperatively (prospective group) and not earlier than 3 months postoperatively (both groups).
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant difference between pre- and postoperative values was detected in the prospectively studied group. All postoperative parameters were within the normal range in the retrospective group. There was no evidence of impaired fertility in any patient due to the operation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The standardized TEP technique for simultaneous bilateral inguinal hernia repair in male patients was not associated with a higher risk for postoperative infertility after mesh implantation. The use of heavy-weight meshes had no negative effect on fertility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Visceral and Trauma Surgery, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Wieckesweg 27, 44309, Dortmund, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Skawran
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weyhe
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schmitz
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Belyaev
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Bauer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D053713:Azoospermia / Q000209:etiology*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010537:Peritoneum; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes