Testicular tissue percent oxygen saturation (%StO2) measured by trans-scrotal near infrared spectroscopy in children undergoing laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair.

Rationale for the study Open surgery for the repair of inguinal hernia may lead to some adverse long-term effects upon the structures of the inguinal canal, including damage to the blood vessels, which might eventually result in reduced testicular function or in the worse scenario to testicular atrophy. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has the potential advantage of reducing the damage to the blood vessels preserving the testicular function. Study population Neonates, infants and children undergoing inguinal hernia repair via open or laparoscopic technique. Clinical outcomes Near infrared spectroscopy %StO2 readings obtained from testes before surgery, in the immediate post-operative period, at 1-month and 6-month follow-up will be correlated with the size of the testicle using Prader orchidometer.