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 t he testis (omentotesticulopexy = OMTX) permits preservation of the viabilit y of the parenchyma. A left-sided OMTX was performed in group 1 with the an imals under general anaesthesia. An omental flap was prepared. The tunica a lbuginea of the testis planned for OMTX was pierced with a needle (26 x 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 int errupted sutures. Six weeks later the spermatic vessel was transected at th is site. The right testis was left untouched throughout the procedure; it r emained 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 form alin. Standardised haematoxylin and eosin staining was performed and histol ogical 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 th at viability can be preserved within this area.