Fertility after simulated Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy in rats

Am J Surg. 1992 Feb;163(2):270-2. doi: 10.1016/0002-9610(92)90115-8.

Abstract

In order to determine the effects of the Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy (FSO) on fertility, young rats underwent simulated FSO, FSO and concurrent contralateral orchiectomy (FSO/OR), unilateral orchiectomy (OR), or sham operation (controls). Twelve weeks after the operation, each male rat was mated to two proven-fertile female rats for 17 days (three ovulatory cycles). Two weeks later, both male and female rats were killed. No pregnancy resulted from the matings of the FSO/OR males. In contrast, pregnancy ensued in 13 of 16 (81%) females in the FSO group, 9 of 14 (64%) in the OR group, and 11 of 12 (92%) in the control group. There were no fertile males in the FSO/OR group. In the FSO group, eight of eight males induced pregnancy in at least one female; in the OR group, six of seven (86%) males were fertile as were all six males in the control group. No differences in litter size or fetal weight were observed between fertile females in various groups.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arteries
  • Cryptorchidism / surgery
  • Female
  • Fertility*
  • Ligation
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Orchiectomy
  • Organ Size
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Pregnancy
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Testis / blood supply
  • Testis / pathology
  • Testis / surgery*
  • Veins