ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The effect of pediatric inguinal hernia repair (IHR) on testicular vascularization remains unclear. Manipulating the spermatic cord during surgery may reduce blood flow due to edema and vasoconstriction. This can lead to testicular atrophy. The study aims to review current knowledge of testicular vascular impairment following IHR in children. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Methodological quality was assessed using validated tools. Data were extracted, and a pooled data analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the systematic review. Six of these studies were eligible for meta-analysis. This revealed a significant decrease in testicular vascularization during the short-term follow-up (1 day-1 week) after IHR using the open surgical approach. This decrease was not present after laparoscopic intervention. There was no more increased resistance in the vessels at long-term follow-up (1 month-6 months), suggesting that the impaired vascularity is only temporary. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a short-term transient vascular impairment of the testis after open IHR in children. This might be of clinical relevance to prefer the laparoscopic approach for IHR in children, even though the open approach is the gold standard, in contrast to adult IHR. The impact on testicular function and sperm quality later in life remains unclear. Comparative studies of both techniques are needed to determine if there is a significant difference in testicular vascularity. Long-term studies are necessary to assess the impact of transiently reduced vascularity on sperm quality and fertility later in life.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nissen Fundoplication (NF) is a frequently performed procedure in children. Robotic-assisted Nissen Fundoplication (RNF), with the utilization of the Senhance® Surgical System (SSS®) (Asensus Surgical® Inc., Durham, NC, USA) featuring 3 mm instruments, aims to improve precision and safety in pediatric surgery. This matched cohort study assesses the safety and feasibility of RNF in children using the SSS®, comparing it with Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty children underwent RNF with the SSS® between 2020 to 2023 and were 1:1 matched with twenty LNF cases retrospectively selected from 2014 to 2023. Both groups were similar regarding male/female ratio, age, and weight. Two of the twenty RNF cases (10%) experienced intraoperative complications, whereas three in the LNF group of whom two required reinterventions. The observed percentage of postoperative complications was 5% in the RNF group compared to 15% in the LNF group (p = 0.625). The operative times in the RNF group significantly dropped towards the second study period (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing SSS® for NF procedures in children is safe and feasible. Observational results may tentatively suggest that growing experiences and continued development will lead to better outcomes based on more accurate and safe surgery for children.