Association of epididymal anomalies with patent processus vaginalis in hernia, hydrocele and cryptorchidism

Purpose: We performed a prospective study to assess the relationship between epididymal anomalies and patency of the processus vaginalis in boys presenting with hernia, hydrocele or cryptorchidism. Materials and Methods: The degree of patency of the processus vaginalis (closed, partially closed or open) and morphology of the ipsilateral epididymis were recorded in 159 consecutive inguinal explorations. Results: A closed, partially closed and open processus vaginalis was associated with an abnormal epididymis in 14, 36 and 69% of cases, respectively. Epididymal anomalies were more frequent in association with undescended (72%) than descended (34%) testes. Conclusions: These data confirm the observation of a higher incidence of epididymal anomalies associated with patency of the processus vaginalis irrespective of testicular position, and they support the theory that androgenic stimulation may be required for closure of the processus vaginalis as well as epididymal development.