Optimizing the operative treatment of boys with varicocele: sequential comparison of 4 techniques

PURPOSE: We compared 4 techniques of varicocele ligation in boys and young adolescents to determine the optimal operative treatment that avoids varicocele recurrence and postoperative hydrocele formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 10 years a total of 128 varicocelectomies were performed sequentially in 121 boys and young adolescents with a mean age of 12 years using the laparoscopic, inguinal testicular artery sparing, standard Palomo (high mass retroperitoneal ligation) and modified Palomo approaches. The modified Palomo approach involved suprainguinal and retroperitoneal ligation of the veins and artery, and microsurgical sparing of the blue stained lymphatic pathway of the testis. Patients were followed a mean of 52 months. RESULTS: In the 19 boys in the laparoscopy group varicocele persisted in 10% and hydrocele developed in 5%. In the 21 patients who underwent inguinal surgery with artery preservation recurrent varicoceles were identified in 14% and no hydroceles were observed. In the 32 patients who underwent the standard Palomo procedure there was no palpable varicocele persistence or recurrence, while hydroceles developed in 12%. Of the 56 patients in the modified Palomo group varicocele recurred in 1 (2%) and there were no hydroceles. No testicular atrophy developed in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of all 4 groups revealed significant differences in varicocele recurrence (p = 0.038) and hydrocele formation (p = 0.023). Pairwise group comparison showed that the modified Palomo technique resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of postoperative hydrocele formation compared with the standard Palomo method (p = 0.015). This procedure can be recommended as the optimal surgical technique for varicocele treatment in males of this young age.     

The role of Doppler ultrasonography in determining the proper surgical approach to the management of varicocele in children and adolescents

In a study from Italy, colour-Doppler ultrasonography was a reliable diagnostic tool in the preoperative assessment of patients with varicocele. The authors also found that it helped to distinguish those who could be treated laparoscopically from those who should be treated by microsurgical subinguinal ligature. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) is a reliable diagnostic tool for selecting patients with varicocele to undergo either laparoscopy or open microsurgical subinguinal ligation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a 3-year period, 42 boys affected by left varicocele were evaluated before surgery by inguinal and scrotal CDUS. Using this method it was possible to distinguish Coolsaet type-1 varicocele (due to isolated renal-internal spermatic vein reflux) and Coolsaet type-3 varicocele (due to associated renal-internal spermatic reflux and iliac-deferential reflux). Boys with Coolsaet type-1 varicocele were treated by a laparoscopic transperitoneal Palomo procedure, whereas those with Coolsaet type-3 varicoceles were treated by lymphatic-sparing microsurgical subinguinal ligation. RESULTS: The varicocele was Coolsaet type-3 in six patients (14%), who had microsurgical open surgery, and the remaining 36 (86%) had Coolsaet type-1 and had laparoscopic surgery. At the follow-up there was no venous scrotal reflux. In two patients in the laparoscopic group a hydrocele developed after surgery, which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that CDUS was a reliable diagnostic tool for assessing boys with varicocele. It clearly distinguished Coolsaet-type 1 varicoceles that can be treated laparoscopically, from Coolsaet type-3 varicoceles that should be treated with microsurgical subinguinal ligature.     

Low-grade left varicocele in patients over 30 years old:the effect of spermatic vein ligation on fertility

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of spermatic vein ligation in patients over 30 years old and with low-grade left varicocele, and thus help to establish whether such patients might benefit from surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized study was conducted on 68 infertile patients (30-38 years old) with evidence of sperm abnormalities and who had low-grade varicocele (grade I according to Hirsch), comparing left spermatic vein ligation with no treatment. The outcome was assessed by standard sperm analysis and eventual paternity. RESULTS: There was no improvement in sperm quality in either of the groups one year after surgery, and no significant difference in paternity. CONCLUSIONS: Left spermatic vein ligation for low-grade varicocele in patients more than 30 years old cannot be recommended.     

Complication rate of microsurgical varicocele ligation without delivery of the testis

It is commonly assumed that the complication rate of microsurgical varicocele repair is lower than that of nonmicrosurgical techniques, particularly since magnification allows for preservation of lymphatic vessels and, thus, a theoretically lower incidence of hydrocele. However, review of the literature reveals relatively few papers on this subject. The authors reviewed their experience to determine the incidence of complications following microsurgical varicocele repair without delivery of the testicle in the adult population. From 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2001 139 men underwent microsurgical varicocele ligation without delivery of the testicle, with a mean follow-up of 22 months. Of the 139 men, 4 (2.9%) had complications. One (0.7%) had a recurrence, 1 (0.7%) had a wound infection, 1 (0.7%) had epididymitis, and 1 (0.7%) had an unintentional injury of the testicular artery. None of the men developed a hydrocele. The published complication rate for nonmicrosurgical varicocle ligation ranges from 5.4 to 7.2%, with the most common complication being hydrocele formation. In the authors' series, the overall complication rate was 2.9%, with no patient developing a hydrocele. Thus, microsurgical varicocele ligation without delivery of the testicle results in a lower complication rate and a lower incidence of hydrocele than nonmicrosurgical techniques.     

Intratesticular varicocele in adolescents: a reversible anechoic lesion of the testis

PURPOSE: We describe ultrasonographic and clinical findings in adolescents with intratesticular varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three adolescent boys 12 to 16 years old each had a large intratesticular multicystic lesion on scrotal Doppler ultrasound for a large extratesticular varicocele. The presence of active Doppler flow within the anechoic lesions supported the diagnosis of intratesticular varicocele. RESULTS: All 3 boys underwent spermatic vein ligation for varicocele. In each case scrotal Doppler ultrasound at 3 months postoperatively demonstrated resolution of the intratesticular anechoic lesions and Doppler flow, confirming the diagnoses of intratesticular varicocele. CONCLUSIONS: Intratesticular varicocele is a clinically occult lesion that may occur in conjunction with extratesticular varicocele. This entity is apparent on scrotal Doppler ultrasound as an intratesticular anechoic lesion with active Doppler flow, and has been shown to resolve following spermatic vein ligation. Its clinical significance has not yet been defined.     

显微镜辅助下精索静脉曲张结扎术与腹腔镜下精索静脉曲张结扎术疗效分析(附60例报告)

目的 比较显微镜辅助下经外环口精索静脉曲张结扎术与腹腔镜精索静脉结扎术治疗精索静脉曲张的疗效差异.方法 60例精索静脉曲张合并精液质量异常患者,随机分为两组,经外环口显微镜辅助下精索静脉结扎术组(显微镜组,30例)和腹腔镜精索静脉结扎术组(腹腔镜组,30例),两组手术前各指标差异无统计学意义.比较两组手术时间、住院费用、住院天数、术后并发症的发生、精液质量的变化.结果 两组在手术时间、术后住院天数、住院费用、术后腹胀、阴囊肿胀均具有显著性差异(P＜0.05),术后复发、术后附睾炎、睾丸萎缩、术后精液质量变化无显著性差异(P＞0.05).结论 经外环口位置行显微镜下精索静脉结扎术治疗精索静脉曲张是一种安全、有效、简便、经济及便于推广的手术治疗方式.     

OUTCOMES OF VARICOCELE LIGATION DONE FOR PAIN

Purpose

Surgical ligation is an option in the management of patients with painful varicocele. Little objective data exist addressing the effectiveness of this treatment. We reviewed records from 58 patients who underwent varicocele ligation at our institution from January 1985 to May 1996 to establish success of surgical ligation of the painful varicocele.

Materials and Methods

ICD-9 billing codes were used to identify all patients who had undergone varicocele ligation for pain since 1985. We documented patient age, grade and location of varicocele, duration and quality of pain, response to conservative therapy and surgical approach to ligation. Telephone interviews and chart reviews were conducted to determine resolution of pain, complications of the procedure and if the patient would choose surgery again.

Results

We obtained followup on 35 of the 58 painful varicocele patients (60%). Average patient age was 25.7 years (range 15 to 65). The varicocele was on the left side in 30 men and bilateral in 5. Of the patients 31 described the pain as a dull throbbing ache, 2 as sharp and 2 as a pulling sensation. Initial conservative therapy failed in all 35 men. Varicocele was grade III in 18 cases, grade II in 16 and grade I in 1. The inguinal or subinguinal approach was used in 24 patients, high ligation in 10 and laparoscopic repair in 1. In 30 patients there was (86%) complete resolution of pain postoperatively and 1 had partial resolution. Only 4 patients (11%) had persistent or worse symptoms.

Conclusions

This retrospective review supports the conclusion that varicocele ligation is an effective treatment for painful varicocele in properly selected patients.     

一孔法微型腹腔镜精索静脉高位结扎术

目的介绍一孔法微型腹腔镜精索静脉高位结扎术治疗精索静脉曲张的手术方法,探讨其临床应用价值。方法采用一孔法微型腹腔镜精索静脉高位结扎术治疗精索静脉曲张11例,年龄19～45岁,平均26岁,病程1个月至5年,单侧病变9例,双侧病变2例。结果单侧精索静脉曲张手术时间为10～20min,平均12min,双侧病变患者手术时间为1例20min,1例30min,平均25min。患者术后疼痛轻微、均无需使用止痛药,平均住院时间2．7d,随访1-3个月未见复发、阴囊气肿、阴囊水肿、鞘膜积液、睾丸萎缩等并发症。结论一孔法微型腹腔镜精索高位结扎术治疗精索静脉曲张疗效可靠,具有微创、安全、美观的优点。     

两种精索静脉结扎术治疗精索静脉曲张性不育的效果比较

目的 探讨不同精索静脉结扎术治疗精索静脉曲张性不育的临床效果,寻找更加安全有效的治疗方式.方法 从本院2012年2月至2014年2月收治的精索静脉曲张性不育患者中随机选择35例进行研究,随机分为对照组(17例)和观察组(18例),分别给予腹腔镜下精索静脉结扎术治疗和显微镜下精索静脉结扎术治疗.观察两组治疗前后的精液质量以及术后并发症发生情况,并进行比较.结果 治疗前,两组患者的精液质量各项指标经比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05);治疗后,较之治疗前,两组患者的精液质量各项指标均得到显著的改善,经比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);且治疗6个月后两组间比较精液质量各项指标差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).术后随访1～6个月,两组均未出现并发症.结论 利用显微镜下精索静脉结扎术对精索静脉曲张性不育患者进行治疗,可以更好的对患者的精液质量各项指标予以改善,提高患者的精液质量.     

转流术与断流术治疗精索静脉曲张症的疗效评价

目的　为评价精索静脉转流术与结扎术二种手术方法对治疗精索静脉曲张引起男性不育的疗效。方法　于术后一年中分别随访 82例病人 ,接受转流者 47例 ,结扎者 35例。结果　 (1)术后病人症状、精子质量均得到显著改善 ,但是 ,两组间无明显差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。 (2 ) 15例有症状者术后缓解 ,47例转流受术者无一复发 ,35例结扎受术者 2例复发 ,占 5 .7%。两者精子质量改善者共 47例 ,占 5 8.5 3% ,妊娠及分娩 2 5例 ,占 30 .5 %。 (3)术后 3月 ,精子活力提高明显好于精子质量的其它参数 ,而在术后半月中 ,精子活力的提高转流者 2 7例 ,结扎者仅 7例。结论　精索内静脉转流术仍是部分精索静脉曲张不育症者治疗的较好手段     

Reversal of testicular growth failure by varicocele ligation

A total of 20 male patients 11 to 19 years old had a grade 2 or 3 varicocele and volume loss of the testis ipsilateral to the varicocele. None of these patients presented because of subfertility. Following varicocele ligation a significant increase in volume of the testis ipsilateral to the varicocele was observed in 16 of 20 patients. All 20 patients have been followed for 1 to 6 years. Our results suggest that a moderate to large varicocele can be responsible for testicular growth retardation and that early ligation of the varicocele may reverse this process.     

对比Palomo手术与腹膜后精索内静脉高位结扎术治疗精索静脉曲张

目的对比经腹膜后集束结扎精索血管（Palomo手术）与腹膜后单纯精索内静脉高位结扎治疗精索静脉曲张的疗效及并发症。方法对2000年7月-2006年6月间，25例采用Palomo术式，30例采用腹膜后单纯精索内静脉高位结扎治疗精索静脉曲张的临床资料进行对比分析。结果所有手术均获得成功，术后随访6月至2年。Palomo手术组手术时间12～18min，手术后3—10d曲张静脉团显著缩小，所有患者临床症状消失。随访18例，无复发，无睾丸坏死或萎缩发生，6个月内发生左侧睾丸鞘膜积液3例，占16．6％，左侧慢性附睾炎1例，左侧睾丸疼痛（排除其它原因）1例。单纯精索内静脉高位结扎组手术时间20-35min，1例术后无效，29例术后1—8d曲张静脉团消失。3例术后2—4月后复发，占15％。精索内静脉高位结扎组术后复发率显著高于Palomo手术组（P〈O．05），而后者术后并发症明显高于前者，两者有显著的统计学差异（P〈0．05），主要并发症是患侧的睾丸鞘膜积液。后者手术时间明显较短（P〈0．01）。两组手术均效果良好，疗效可靠。结论Palomo手术简单易行、疗效可靠，但并发症较多；腹膜后精索内静脉高位结扎复发率高，但无并发症发生。     

精索静脉曲张不育患者手术前后血浆性激素变化

将６４例单纯精索静脉曲张源性不育患者随机分为手术组３３例与非手术组３１例，分别于术前及术后６个月测血浆卵泡刺激素（ＦＳＨ）、黄体生成素（ＬＨ）、睾酮（Ｔ），同时测４６名正常生育力男性性激素作为正常值对照，对两组不育患者还进行了睾丸体积测定和精液分析。手术组采用经髂窝腹膜外单纯精索内静脉高位结扎术。结果：６４例精索静脉曲张源性不育患者精子密度、精子存活率、睾丸体积低于正常组，ＦＳＨ、ＬＨ、Ｔ均在正常值范围，与正常组对照无明显差异。两组手术前后对照分析，手术组与非手术组手术前后血浆性激素虽无统计学差异，但手术组患者术后精液质量、睾丸体积明显改善，随访一年手术组妊娠率（２７％）显著高于非手术组（１３％）。术前ＦＳＨ较高的患者术后精液质量、睾丸体积无明显改善，而术前ＦＳＨ正常者有显著差异。认为，精索静脉曲张不育患者通过手术治疗确能提高其生育能力，而术前根据血浆ＦＳＨ、ＬＨ、Ｔ测定结合睾丸检查、精液分析可以初步估计睾丸受损程度，对手术预后的判断有一定参考价值。     

Clinical outcome of microsurgical varicocelectomy done for pain

Surgical ligation for varicocele is primarily used in the management of male infertility patients. However, effectiveness of the ligation for painful varicocele is still controversial. We reviewed record s from 18 patients (average age 17.8 years) who underwent varicocele ligation done for pain at our institution from June 1999 to May 2010. The varicocele was on the left side and was grade III in 15 cases and grade II in 3 cases. The pain was classified into three types ; discomfort, dull pain and sharp pain. Microsurgical varicocelectomy was done with inguinal or subinguinal approach. Evaluation of postoperative pain was available in 17 patients, and 15 patients (88%) reported complete resolution of the pain with averaged follow up duration of 11 months (3 to 53 months). We concluded that microsurgical varicocelectomy using the inguinal or subinguinal approach was an effective treatment modality for varicocele-associated pain.     

Laparoscopic occlusion of testicular veins for clinical varicocele.

Surgery via the laparoscope is now a reliable and cost-effective alternative to some open surgical procedures. Advances in videoendoscopy, incorporating optical magnification combined with the development of instruments with which to dissect, ligate, and transect blood vessels provide the urologist the opportunity to surgically correct a varicocele. In the outpatient setting, 4 patients (14-26 years of age) underwent laparoscopic ligation of the left internal spermatic veins for painful left varicocele. Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was obtained using a Veress needle. A 10-mm laparoscope was placed intraperitoneally through a cannula inserted in the infraumbilical border. Utilizing two additional endosurgical ports (5 mm and 10 mm) through which 5-mm dissecting instruments and vaso-occlusive endoclips were placed, three veins were individually isolated and ligated in each of the 4 patients. In all 4 patients, the left testicular artery was visualized and preserved. There was no blood loss or other intraoperative complication. In each patient the varicocele was successfully corrected. Analgesic medication was not required postoperatively. We conclude that laparoscopic ligation of the internal spermatic veins is a safe and effective way of treating a varicocele without immediate postoperative sequelae. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine the place of the endoscopic approach.     

改良Palomo术治疗精索静脉曲张的疗效分析

目的：探讨精索静脉曲张（Vc）患者行改良Palomo术的疗效,分享手术经验。方法：2009年7月～2012年1月采用改良Palomo术治疗伴有精液质量下降的VC患者182例,观察手术治疗后精液参数的变化及配偶自然受孕情况。结果：182例手术均获得成功。手术前后精液质量经统计学分析,差异有统计学意义（PdO．01）,术后精液质量明显改善;不育患者配偶自然受孕率为54．55％（84／154）,均未出现阴囊水肿及睾丸萎缩,均未复发。结论：改良Palomo术对伴有精液质量下降的VC患者效果良好,且对不育也有很好的疗效。     

腹腔镜保留睾丸动脉的精索静脉高位结扎术（附43例报告）

目的评价腹腔镜保留睾丸动脉的精索静脉高位结扎术的效果及价值。方法回顾性分析2004年7月至2008年7月共43例腹腔镜下保留睾丸动脉的静索静脉高位结扎术的临床资料，其中左侧12例，右侧5例，双侧26例。结果43例手术均成功，平均手术时间单侧25min，双侧38min。术中无大出血和肠管损伤等并发症，术后住院3—4d。随诊6—12个月，无复发及睾丸萎缩。结论腹腔镜保留睾丸动脉的精索静脉曲张高位结扎术创伤小，效果好，尤其适合双侧精索静脉曲张患者。     

Laparoscopic varicocelectomy for painful varicoceles: merits and outcomes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic ligation as an option offered to patients with painful varicocele. Laparoscopy has been an established technique for varicocelectomy in infertile patients, but little objective data exist addressing its effectiveness in the control of pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed records of 68 patients who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy for pain from March 1988 through March 2000. We documented patient age at operation, grade and side of the varicocele, duration and quality of the pain, and response to conservative treatment and laparoscopic ligation. RESULTS: Follow-up data were available for 58 patients. Their average age was 21.5 years (range 14-39 years). The varicocele was left sided in 51 patients and bilateral in 7. Forty patients described their pain as dull or throbbing ache and 13 as a dragging sensation, while 5 patients were unable to characterize their pain. Initial conservative treatment failed in all patients. Varicocele was grade III in 29 patients, grade II in 27, and grade I in 2. In 49 patients (84.5%), there was complete postoperative resolution of pain, while 6 (10.3%) had partial resolution. Only three patients had persistent symptoms. Hydrocele formation occurred in 3 patients (5.2%), and varicocele persisted in 2 (3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective review supports varicocele ligation for the relief of pain. Laparoscopic ligation is an effective and safe approach to achieve this outcome.     

腹腔镜精索血管集束状丝线结扎治疗精索静脉曲张疗效分析

目的探讨腹腔镜精索血管集束状丝线结扎精索静脉曲张的疗效。方法腹腔镜精索血管集束状丝线结扎治疗精索静脉曲张23例。结果23例手术均取得成功，术中无并发症，手术时间25～45min，平均37min，平均住院3～5d，随访3～12个月，曲张静脉均消失，无睾丸萎缩等并发症发生。结论腹腔镜精索血管集束状丝线结扎术疗效可靠，简单实用易操作、创伤小、并发症少、患者恢复快，有推广价值。     

Retroperitoneal high ligation versus subinguinal varicocelectomy: Effectiveness of two different varicocelectomy techniques on the treatment of painful varicocele

In the present study, we compared the retroperitoneal high ligation with subinguinal varicocelectomy on the treatment of painful varicocele. A total of 90 patients who underwent retroperitoneal high ligation (n = 45) and subinguinal varicocelectomy (n = 45) for painful varicocele were included in this prospective study. Varicocele in all patients was diagnosed with by physical examination and coloured Doppler ultrasonography. All the patients underwent a conservative treatment for pain for 4 weeks. Patient ages, varicocele grades, preoperative pain scores, postoperative pain scores at 6 months, duration of surgeries, complications and recurrences were recorded. Complete success rate for chronic scrotal pain was found to be 80% in retroperitoneal varicocelectomy group and 71% in subinguinal varicocelectomy group. Partial success rate was 11% for retroperitoneal varicocelectomy group and 18% for subinguinal ligation group. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of pain and complications. However, the operation time was significantly lower in the Palomo group. Although microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy is the current approach for the treatment of varicocele, retroperitoneal high ligation can achieve the same pain resolution with shorter operative duration compared to loupe‐assisted subinguinal varicocelectomy.