Neovascularisation of the testes by experimental omentotesticulopexy

With the currently used surgical procedures, surgical correction of extreme forms of high undescended testes is associated with an atrophy rate of 10% to 30%. In this experimental study in two groups of Sprague-Dawley rats of pubescent age, we examined whether fixation (pexy) of an omental flap on the testis (omentotesticulopexy=OMTX) permits preservation of the viability of the parenchyma. A left-sided OMTX was performed in group 1 with the animals under general anaesthesia. An omental flap was prepared. The tunica albuginea of the testis planned for OMTX was pierced with a needle (26 × 23 G) within an area with a diameter of 1 cm; a puncture distance of 2 mm was used. The omental flap was then fixed using absorbable monofilament 6-0 interrupted sutures. Six weeks later the spermatic vessel was transected at this site. The right testis was left untouched throughout the procedure; it remained in situ. In group 2 only the spermatic vessel on the left side was severed. The right testis was not manipulated and remained in situ. After a total of 10 weeks both testes were removed from all rats and fixed in formalin. Standardised haematoxylin and eosin staining was performed and histological sections were obtained. The size of the testicles, Leydig-cell count, viability, and calcified areas within the tissue were determined for all testicles. Student's t-test was used for statistical evaluation. The study showed that OMTX leads to neovascularisation in the area of fixation and that viability can be preserved within this area. Accepted: 12 January 2000