Testicular ischaemia post inguinal hernia repair with biosynthetic mesh

This case report highlights and explores a rarely documented complication of inguinal hernia repairs that occurred in a man in his late 50s who underwent the aforementioned procedure as an elective day case. The patient acutely re-presented to the surgical department with the development of testicular pain that started from day 3 postoperatively, with a clinical examination revealing an extremely tender, swollen and erythematous right testicle. Intraoperative findings during an urgent scrotal exploration identified a non-viable testis requiring orchidectomy. This article explores the possible pathophysiology of how testicular ischaemia may occur postinguinal herniorrhaphy while highlighting the importance of early surgical intervention in suspected cases.