Does a bilateral polypropylene mesh alter the duct deferens morphology, testicular size and testosterone levels? Experimental study in rats

• Published in: Acta cirúrgica brasileira 2020-01, Vol.35 (2)
• Main Authors: Damous, Sérgio Henrique Bastos, Damous, Luciana Lamarão, Miranda, Jocielle dos Santos, Montero, Edna Frasson de Souza, Birolini, Cláudio, Utiyama, Edivaldo Massazo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hernia; Polypropylenes; Rats; Surgical Mesh; Testis; Vas Deferens
• ISSN: 0102-8650; 1678-2674
• DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020200020000001

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of a PP mesh on duct deferens morphology, testicular size and testosterone levels. Methods Forty adult male rats were distributed into groups: 1) no surgery; 2) inguinotomy; 3) mesh placed on the duct deferens; and 4) mesh placed on the spermatic funiculus. After 90 postoperative days, the inguinal region was resected, and blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum testosterone (pg/dl). The ducts deferens were sectioned in three axial sections according to the relationship with the mesh — cranial, medial and caudal. The wall thickness and duct deferens lumen area were measured. Results The morphology of the duct deferens was preserved in all groups. The mesh placement did not alter this morphology in any of the analyzed segments. Surgery, with or without mesh placement, did not alter the morphology, wall thickness or lumen area (p>0.05). In all operated groups, serum testosterone levels were similar (p>0.05) but there was a decrease in testicle size (p