Urogenital Complications of Groin Hernia Surgery: A Multicentre Study in Guinea

Abstract

Context and Objective: Groin hernia is a common pathology in visceral surgery (2nd rank after appendicitis), which affects approximately 4.6% of the African population. Restoring the normal anatomy of the groin region is one of the most benign interventions. However, uro-andrological complications are possible. This study aimed to contribute to the improvement of the management of urogenital complications of groin hernia surgery. Patients and Method: We carried out a prospective study of descriptive type with a duration of 6 months from 1 August 2021 to 31 January 2022. The data were collected using a pre-established survey sheet. The study covered several sites (public hospitals and private clinics) in Guinea. Results: The urogenital complications of the surgery of the hernia of the groin represented 15.22% or 14 cases out of 92 patients. The average age was 37.00 years with extremes of 20-69 years. Polygamists occupied the first place. The reason for consultation was dominated by decreased testicular volume (42.86%), followed by a desire to conceive (21.43%). Unilateral testicular atrophy represented 63.64%, bilateral 27.27%. We performed a left orchidectomy in one patient and a cystorraphy in another simple operative follow-up. The other cases consisting of testicular atrophy, due to lack of a suitable technical platform, did not benefit from any specific therapeutic treatment. Conclusion: Urogenital complications of groin hernia surgery are relatively common. Testicular atrophy was the main clinical complication. The left orchidectomy and cystorraphy were the therapeutic procedures performed.