Focal Testicular Infarction from Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

A 53-year-old Caucasian male underwent laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair of a right indirect inguinal hernia. Postoperatively, the patient developed right testicular swelling and pain that increased over the course of a week. On examination, the patient was found to have a tender, swollen, high-riding testicle, and testicular torsion was of main concern. Doppler sonography and testicular scan suggested an infarction only to the upper pole of the right testicle. Subsequent exploration of the right testicle revealed a hydrocele and focal ischemia to the upper pole of the right testicle. Intraoperative Doppler study and a urology consultation were obtained with an initial impression of possible intermittent torsion. This report describes a rare complication seen in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs.