Testicular atrophy following inguinal hernia repair in children

Abstract

Purpose

We sought to determine the incidence and timing of testicular atrophy following inguinal hernia repair in children.

Methods

We used the TRICARE database, which tracks care delivered to active and retired members of the US Armed Forces and their dependents, including > 3 million children. We abstracted data on male children < 12 years who underwent inguinal hernia repair (2005–2014). We excluded patients with history of testicular atrophy, malignancy or prior related operation. Our primary outcome was the incidence of the diagnosis of testicular atrophy. Among children with atrophy, we calculated median time to diagnosis, stratified by age/undescended testis.

Results

8897 children met inclusion criteria. Median age at hernia repair was 2 years (IQR 1–5). Median follow-up was 3.57 years (IQR 1.69–6.19). Overall incidence of testicular atrophy was 5.1/10,000 person-years, with the highest incidence in those with an undescended testis (13.9/10,000 person-years). All cases occurred in children \(\le\)  5 years, with 72% in children < 2 years. Median time to atrophy was 2.4 years (IQR 0.64–3), with 30% occurring within 1 year and 75% within 3 years.

Conclusion

Testicular atrophy is a rare complication following inguinal hernia repair, with children < 2 years and those with an undescended testis at highest risk. While 30% of cases were diagnosed within a year after repair, atrophy may be diagnosed substantially later.

Level of evidence

Prognosis Study, Level II.

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