Male Fertility Following Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract

Tension-free mesh hernia repair has become the standard procedure in inguinal hernia repair. The incidence of inguinal hernias has steadily decreased following mesh and laparoscopic techniques, but the potential risk of fertility disorders after surgery remains a controversial issue. The aim of this chapter was to establish the clinical impact of open (mesh and/or without mesh) and laparoscopic hernia repair on male fertility. The results of the research published to date do not allow clear conclusions and guidelines in hernia surgery for young patients of reproductive age. Evidence is inevitably difficult to find because of the wide range of causes of infertility and their complexity. However, the choice of method and the possible impact on fertility should be discussed with the patient before surgery. Additionally, preoperative and postoperative semen analysis will help exclude or confirm its impact on patient fertility in the future.