Duplicated spermatic cord encountered during inguinal hernia repair.
Mohamed Abdelrahman Ahmed Ragab, Shauq Rashid Al-Maawali, Alaa Eldin Yassin et al.
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Case in brief
A male patient in his seventies presented for elective open right inguinal hernia repair. During the procedure, complete duplication of the spermatic cord was identified, with two distinct structures each containing a vas deferens and neurovascular bundle. The hernia repair was successfully completed while preserving both cord structures, and postoperative ultrasonography confirmed the anatomical duplication.
What made this case unusual
This case is notable for the first reported instance of true complete spermatic cord duplication encountered during inguinal hernia repair.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of spermatic cord duplication during inguinal hernia repair to avoid iatrogenic injury and testicular ischaemia.
Why it matters
Recognizing this anatomical variant is crucial for modifying surgical techniques and ensuring patient safety during hernia repairs.