The retroparietal spermatic sheath — An anatomical structure of surgical interest

Summary

The authors have intraoperatively observed that the retroparietal components of the spermatic cord are contained within a spermatic sheath, the patency and morphology of which have been established. Anatomical dissections have identified its relations with the inter-parietoperitoneal fibrous structures, and the external iliac vessels. Careful preservation of this “spermatic sheath” during the mobilisation of the cord is recommended to avoid perivascular sclerosis due to contact with the large mesh prostheses used in groin hernia repairs. This is important to preserve as much sheath as possible and may be potentially useful if a reoperation is required for vascular surgery, organ transplant, or lymph node dissection.