Influence of hernioplastic implants on male fertility in rats

Abstract

This study explored the vulnerability of the ductus deferens due to mesh induced inflammation and shrinkage after hernia repair in the rodent model. Two commonly used types of hernioplastic implants (Prolene and Vypro II) were surgically wrapped around the ductus deferentes on both sides in 20 juvenile and 20 adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty male rats underwent sham surgeries as controls. After 3 months, each male was mated with 2-3 adult females, which were subsequently sacrificed and oocytes or embryos were flushed and counted. Histochemical investigations of the implants and the ductus recovered surgically 4 weeks after implantation (one side) and after the fertility test (second side) were conducted. All groups exhibited 1-3 males with decreased or restricted fertility but there was no difference between groups. Histochemical analysis of the implants and the ductus recovered 4 weeks and 4 months after implantation revealed some sperm granulomes due to lesions of the spermatic cord caused by the implant in the Prolene group. There was no inflammatory reaction in the mucosa or blockage of the spermatic cord visible. Both types of hernioplastic implants tested in this investigation do not give an indication of a negative influence on male fertility in juvenile or adult rats.

Influence of a new self-gripping hernia mesh on male fertility in a rat model

“…In a recently published study we could show that there is no risk from a correctly conducted surgery to affect the ductus deferens. However, the sharp edges of the implanted mesh can damage the different layers of the ductus resulting in sperm granulomes [21]. Similar cases are also reported in humans, but are very rare [6,7].…”

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

“…Other experimental models have been described in the literature comparing the effect of different types of meshes (including PP) on the fertility of young and adult rats in the long term (90 to 180 days postoperatively) with divergent results. The majority of these studies do not show a negative association even with the PP mesh 11,21 , which promotes increased activation of macrophages and, consequently, a more intense inflammatory reaction than low molecular weight screens 23 . However, all these models fail to include a group without mesh implantation for comparison [18][19][20][21][22] .…”

Prevention of incisional hernia by mesh implantation after median laparotomy: a preclinical trial

“…Particularly meshes fixed with fibrin glue [19,20] and the self-adhesive ProGrip mesh [8,21,22] have yielded very good results regarding postoperative pain and patient comfort in some studies. Owing to their simple and rapid application they would be suitable for prophylactic mesh fixation after primary closure of the abdominal wall.…”