Evaluación reproductiva de la hernioplastia inguinal laparascópica en la estación mediante colgajo peritoneal

Abstract

Objectives: Assessment of the possible impact of the standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty on the seminal quality, testicular vascularization and histopathology of 7 stallions without previous history of inguinal herniation based on 1 year follow-up. Methods: Standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty was performed in seven adult stallions that lacked a history of inguinal herniation. Semen quality and testicular vascularization variables were assessed before surgery and after 3, 6 and 12 months. At the end of the study, 5 stallions were castrated. The testicles, the spermatic cords and the epididymis underwent qualitative and quantitative histopathological examination, and the results were compared with a group of non-operated and castrated horses. Results: There were no significant differences in the sperm quality variables during one year follow up. The blood flow variables studied were modified one year after the surgery. The horses which underwent to standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty of the inguinal rings showed mild histological changes in the testicular parenchyma (reduction of the seminiferous tubuli diameter, edema and congestion), epididymis and pampiniform plexus (congestion and edema) compared with a control group after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusions: Standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty of the inguinal rings did not affect the seminal quality during 1-year follow-up. The variations of the blood flow parameters evidenced compression of the flap over the spermatic cord. The histological changes were mild and did not produced clinical signs, although we are not aware if longer follow-up might have shown more advanced changes.