Conservative treatment of partial testicular artery injury during transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty (TAPP)

Inguinal hernias are common conditions in general surgery. Laparoscopic approach, whether transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) or totally extraperitoneal (TEP), is favored for its lower rate of surgical site infection, shorter hospital stay, and faster return to daily activities. Complications still occur, albeit in a small percentage, but can prolong hospital stay or be fatal. We present a case of a 55-year-old male patient who underwent TAPP procedure with proposed iatrogenic testicular artery injury resulting in a bilateral retroperitoneal hematoma. The treatment was conservative, and the patient was discharged in good general condition after 13 days. Six months postoperatively, no signs of hernia recurrence were observed. According to available literature, this is the first conservatively treated occult testicular artery injury during TAPP inguinal hernioplasty.