Scrotal distension after endoscopic harvesting of the saphenous vein in patients with inguinal hernia.

Abstract

The great saphenous vein remains the most commonly used conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting. The endoscopic vein harvesting technique is widely used due to reduced postoperative complications. We present the case of 5 patients with a history of inguinal hernia undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, which resulted in CO2 infiltration through the deep inguinal ring and into the scrotum leading to acute scrotal enlargement. Due to the risk of impediment of vascular blood supply and necrosis, endoscopic vein harvesting was withdrawn, and the vein was harvested by using the bridging technique. Postoperatively, severe contusion, inflammation, and erythematous vesicular eruption resulted in a lengthened hospital stay.