Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the morphological features of processus vaginalis
(PV) and hernia sacs obtained from boys with undescended testis and inguinal hernia,
respectively, in order to investigate whether these structures have similar histology.
Material and Methods: Samples of PV (n=61) and hernia sacs (n=68) obtained from boys operated for undescended
testis (n=58) and inguinal hernia (n=64), respectively, were stained with hematoxylin-eosin
for optical qualitative microscopy analysis. The histological structures of each group
of samples were compared by a pathologist blinded to the specific pathology.
Results: The most prevalent histological findings were connective tissue, smooth muscle, mesothelium,
nervous elements, striated muscle and mesonephric remnants with no statistical differences
between the groups. The amount of smooth muscle was greater in the hernia sac group
where it appeared as a layer. In contrast, the smooth muscle present in the form of
sparse bundles around the connective tissue in the PV.
Conclusions: Sacs obtained from boys with inguinal hernia and PV obtained from boys with undescended
testis shares a similar histology except for the amount of smooth muscle when analyzed
qualitatively by optical microscopy using hematoxylin-eosin stain.
Key words
undescended testis - processus vaginalis - inguinal hernia - hernia sac
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Correspondence
Dr. R. S. GomezMD, PhD
Department of Surgery
Faculty of Medicine of Federal University of Minas Gerais
Av. Alfredo Balena, 190
30130-100 Belo Horizonte
Brazil
Phone: +55/31/3409 97 60
Fax: +55/31/3409 97 60
Email: renatogomez2000@yahoo.com.br
