How is a testicular hernia operated?
A testicular hernia is treated surgically. The hernia operation is also called herniotomy. The aim of the operation is to move the hernial sac together with the intestines back into the abdominal cavity and then close the hernial orifice in the abdominal wall.
There are different methods of operating on a scrotal hernia, depending on the size of the hernia and the general condition of the patient. Basically, a distinction is made between open surgery and laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery). During the operation, the surgeon first attempts to visualize the hernial sac and the hernial orifice through a small incision in the abdominal wall in order to have as accurate an overview of the hernia as possible.
Then the hernial sac is reduced, i.e. moved back into the abdomen. If a section of the intestine has already been trapped by the hernia and has been damaged by the reduced blood flow, this section of the intestine must be cut out. The hernia gap is then closed.
In most cases, the closure is reinforced by a plastic net, which is placed behind the spermatic cord.Finally, the layers of the abdominal wall are sutured and the wound is sterilely taped. It is also possible to perform the entire operation endoscopically using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques. In this case, the abdominal cavity is not cut open completely, but special equipment is inserted through small incisions. By means of an endoscope, the surgeon can display the abdominal cavity on a monitor. Special instruments are used to reduce the hernia sac and the hernia gap is covered with a net.
Duration of the surgery
How long an operation for a testicular hernia takes depends on the chosen surgical method. Usually the procedure takes between 45 minutes and one hour. If complications occur during the surgery, the duration of the surgery is extended accordingly.
Risks of the operation
Hernia operations are standard procedures that are performed routinely. Nevertheless, like any other surgical procedure, hernia surgery carries certain risks and unforeseen complications can occur. During the operation, damage to nerves or blood vessels in the area of the hernia may occur.
The spermatic cord can also be injured. In the worst case, the testicle may no longer be adequately supplied with blood and a testicular atrophy (testicular shrinkage) may occur. The testicle atrophies and loses its function, i.e. neither sperm nor hormones can be produced in sufficient quantity.
After the operation, wound healing disorders can occur, which means that the wound takes a very long time to heal completely. The wound can also become infected and inflamed. The risk of secondary bleeding cannot be excluded.
Some patients tend to have an excessive scarring, which leads to the formation of too much connective tissue and makes the scar appear very bulging. In addition, even after a successful operation, there is a risk that the operated area will break again. Hernia operations are usually relatively low-risk and serious complications are very rare. Before the operation, the surgeons and the anesthesiologist provide the patient with detailed information about the procedure and possible risks.
