Complications Related to Scrotal Surgery for Male Infertility / 대한남성과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We reviewed our experience of various scrotal surgeries for male infertility to determine the postoperative complication rates, and how our experience might differ from other series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 356 male patients, performed scrotal surgery for infertility from 2005 to 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. All features of postoperative complications were analyzed according to the operative procedures, use of microscope, spermatic cord incision, and type of anesthesia. RESULTS: All 356 patients of scrotal surgeries were consisted of testicular biopsy (27.2%), microsurgical multiple testicular sperm extraction (m-TESE) (26.4%), vasectomy (17.1%), vasovasostomy (12.6%), scrotal exploration (6.5%), vasoepididymostomy (5.3%) and TESE (4.8%). Complications occurred in 11 (3.1%) procedures and included petechia (27.3%), scrotal edema (27.3%), wound disruption (18.2%), hematoma (18.2%) and hemospermia (9.1%). Most complications were improved by conservative treatments such as compressive scrotal dressing with elevation and resuture was done in 18.2 % (2/11) of patients with wound disruption. In patients of spermatic cord incision, complication rates was higher than in those who did not (8.0% vs. 1.5%, respectively) (p=0.006). There were no significant differences in complication rates regarding type of anesthesia or use of microscope. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent probable complications following scrotal surgery for male infertility, intraoperative meticulous control of bleeding, compressive scrotal dressing or elevation should be considered. Especially, in surgery combined with spermatic cord incision, physicians should pay more attention to minimize postoperative complications.