Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (741 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Either of a pair of tubular structures formed by ductus deferens; arteries; veins; lymphatic vessels; and nerves. The spermatic cord extends from the deep inguinal ring through the inguinal canal to the testis in the scrotum.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Cord, Spermatic; Cords, Spermatic; Spermatic Cords; Funiculus Spermaticus.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Genitalia, Male
Related concepts
- Vas Deferens
- Arteries
- Veins
- Lymphatic Vessels
- Inguinal Canal
- Testis
- Scrotum
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 2,371 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Spermatic Cord” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 185 of them (7.8%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 1,347 records.
Reviews account for 245 records (10.3%) and meta-analyses for 5. Randomized controlled trials number 25 (1.1%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 1,347 |
| 2000-2009 | 413 |
| 2010-2019 | 426 |
| 2020 onward | 185 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 245 | 10.3% |
| Meta-analyses | 5 | 0.2% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 25 | 1.1% |
Method: PubMed query "Spermatic Cord"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testicular arteries anatomy applied to fowler-sthephens surgery in high undescended testis - a narrative review | 2022 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 13 | cc by PMID 34003614 · DOI · PMC8691233 |
| Paratesticular liposarcoma: a case report | 2019 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 13 | cc by PMID 31692859 · DOI · PMC6815510 |
| Late-onset metastatic adenocarcinoma of the spermatic cord from primary gastric cancer | 2014 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 12 | cc by PMID 24767516 · DOI · PMC4026119 |
| Retractile spermatic cord hernia: An unusual case report | 2025 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 41239581 · DOI · PMC12622679 |
Testicular arteries anatomy applied to fowler-sthephens surgery in high undescended testis - a narrative review [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectivesIn this review we will describe the testicular vessels anatomy and the implications of these vessels in surgical treatment of high undescended testis.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionsLaparoscopic transection of the testicular vessels by dividing the spermatic vessels (Fowler-Stephens surgery) is safe in patients with high abdominal testis due to the great collateral vascular supply between testicular, vasal and cremasteric arteries; also, two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy appears to carry a higher rate of success than the single stage approach.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (177 words)
ObjectivesIn this review we will describe the testicular vessels anatomy and the implications of these vessels in surgical treatment of high undescended testis.Material and methodsWe performed a narrative review of the literature about the role of the testicular arteries anatomy in the treatment of high undescended testis. We also studied two human testes to illustrate the testicular vascularization.ResultsEach testis is irrigated by three arteries: testicular artery (internal spermatic artery), a branch of the right aorta; deferential artery (vasal artery), a branch of the inferior vesicle artery that originates from the anterior trunk of internal iliac artery and cremasteric artery (external spermatic artery), a branch of the inferior epigastric artery. There are important communications among the three arteries with visible anastomotic channels between the testicular and deferential arteries.ConclusionsLaparoscopic transection of the testicular vessels by dividing the spermatic vessels (Fowler-Stephens surgery) is safe in patients with high abdominal testis due to the great collateral vascular supply between testicular, vasal and cremasteric arteries; also, two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy appears to carry a higher rate of success than the single stage approach.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 34003614 · DOI · PMC8691233
Paratesticular liposarcoma: a case report [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Paratesticular liposarcomas (PLS) is a very uncommon pathology type of paratesticular sarcomas, with less 200 similar cases reported to date in the English literature.
- Closing excerpt
- This study focuses on the clinical characteristics and treatment of this rare type of tumours.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (196 words)
Paratesticular liposarcomas (PLS) is a very uncommon pathology type of paratesticular sarcomas, with less 200 similar cases reported to date in the English literature. There are a few cases regarding giant paratesticular liposarcoma measuring over 10 cm. We present an unusual case with a giant well differentiated PLS of the left testis extended to the pelvic cavity. We report the case of a 55-year-old man who presented with large left groin mass. The patient underwent left orchiectomy following a cure of a scrotal hernia. Histological and immunohistochemical findings were suggestive of a well-differentiated liposarcoma of spermatic cord. The surgical margins were positive. Metastatic work-up, which included CT of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis, did not reveal any distant metastasis in thorax but there is a left pathological external iliac lymph nodes and a left lateroplevic lipomatous mass extended to the iliac fossa and left parietocolic gutter up to the umbilicus measuring 15x7x17 cm. Our patient refused treatment. A review of the literature revealed that there are fewer cases of giant well differentiated paratesticular liposarcoma extended to the pelvic cavity were reported. This study focuses on the clinical characteristics and treatment of this rare type of tumours.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31692859 · DOI · PMC6815510
Late-onset metastatic adenocarcinoma of the spermatic cord from primary gastric cancer [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundMetastatic cancers of the paratesticular tissue are very rare; however, the most frequent primary site of spermatic cord metastasis is the gastrointestinal tract.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionsIn patients with groin discomfort or swelling and a history of gastric cancer, metastatic adenocarcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for early detection of tumors.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (117 words)
BackgroundMetastatic cancers of the paratesticular tissue are very rare; however, the most frequent primary site of spermatic cord metastasis is the gastrointestinal tract.Case presentationWe recently observed two cases of late-onset metastatic adenocarcinoma of the spermatic cord. Both patients complained of groin discomfort with a palpable mass in the scrotum and inguinal area. Radical orchiectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy were performed in both patients. Although the prognosis of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the spermatic cord is typically poor, the prognosis of our patients was favorable after follow-up for 14 to 18 months.ConclusionsIn patients with groin discomfort or swelling and a history of gastric cancer, metastatic adenocarcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for early detection of tumors.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 24767516 · DOI · PMC4026119
Retractile spermatic cord hernia: An unusual case report [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- RationaleRetractile spermatic cord hernia is an extremely rare type of inguinal hernia in which the herniated contents are located posterior to the spermatic cord, rather than passing anterior to it into the scrotum or medial thigh as in typical cases.
- Closing excerpt
- Increased awareness of this hernia type and accurate intraoperative identification are crucial for preventing tissue injury and optimizing surgical decision-making.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (251 words)
RationaleRetractile spermatic cord hernia is an extremely rare type of inguinal hernia in which the herniated contents are located posterior to the spermatic cord, rather than passing anterior to it into the scrotum or medial thigh as in typical cases. To date, no case reports have described laparoscopic treatment of retractile spermatic cord hernia. This study presents a complete surgical case, highlighting the rarity of this condition and providing valuable reference for surgical decision-making in similar clinical scenarios.Patient concernsA 59-year-old male presented with a 1-year history of left inguinal discomfort and swelling. He recently noticed a recurrent lump in the same region without systemic symptoms such as fever or gastrointestinal disturbance.DiagnosesUltrasonography confirmed the diagnosis of a left inguinal hernia. During surgery, a retractile hernia sac was found posterior to the spermatic cord, located near the left inferior epigastric vessels, and containing extraperitoneal fat and peritoneum.InterventionsThe patient underwent total extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair under general anesthesia. Dissection of the hernia sac was performed carefully, and a Bard 3DMax™ lightweight mesh was placed to reinforce the preperitoneal space.OutcomesThe surgery was completed successfully without intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient recovered well, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up.LessonsRetractile spermatic cord hernia is clinically rare and can be easily confused with common inguinal hernias, often being diagnosed only intraoperatively. Total extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair provides a clear operative field and facilitates rapid postoperative recovery. Increased awareness of this hernia type and accurate intraoperative identification are crucial for preventing tissue injury and optimizing surgical decision-making.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41239581 · DOI · PMC12622679
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article From the archives of the AFIP: extratesticular scrotal masses: radiologic-pathologic correlation [5]
- Research article The impact of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters: a meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Liposarcoma of the spermatic cord: report of 6 cases and review of the literature [7]
- Research article Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy in children, adolescents, and adults: surgical anatomy and anatomically justified technique [8]
- Research article Effect of varicocelectomy on testicular volume in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis [9]
- Research article Ectopic adrenal tissue in the spermatic cord in pediatric patients: surgical implications [10]
References
- Benzi TC, Logsdon NT, Sampaio FJB, Favorito LA. Testicular arteries anatomy applied to fowler-sthephens surgery in high undescended testis - a narrative review. . 2022. PMID 34003614 · DOI · PMC8691233
- Mouden K, Wakrim S, Semmar A. Paratesticular liposarcoma: a case report. . 2019. PMID 31692859 · DOI · PMC6815510
- Kim JH, Kim DS, Cho HD, Lee MS. Late-onset metastatic adenocarcinoma of the spermatic cord from primary gastric cancer. . 2014. PMID 24767516 · DOI · PMC4026119
- Gu Z, Liu W, Li B, Qiao Z, Wang G, Bai Y. Retractile spermatic cord hernia: An unusual case report. . 2025. PMID 41239581 · DOI · PMC12622679
- Woodward PJ, Schwab CM, Sesterhenn IA. From the archives of the AFIP: extratesticular scrotal masses: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 2003. PMID 12533657 · DOI
- Schauer I, Madersbacher S, Jost R, Hübner WA, Imhof M. The impact of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters: a meta-analysis. J Urol. 2012. PMID 22425089 · DOI
- Schwartz SL, Swierzewski SJ, Sondak VK, Grossman HB. Liposarcoma of the spermatic cord: report of 6 cases and review of the literature. J Urol. 1995. PMID 7966755 · DOI
- Mirilas P, Mentessidou A. Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy in children, adolescents, and adults: surgical anatomy and anatomically justified technique. J Androl. 2012. PMID 21835913 · DOI
- Li F, Chiba K, Yamaguchi K, Okada K, Matsushita K, Ando M, et al.. Effect of varicocelectomy on testicular volume in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis. Urology. 2012. PMID 22516359 · DOI
- Mendez R, Tellado MG, Somoza I, Liras J, Sanchez-Abuin A, Pais E, et al.. Ectopic adrenal tissue in the spermatic cord in pediatric patients: surgical implications. Int Braz J Urol. 2006. PMID 16650300 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.