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.     

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.     

Low inguinal approach for correction of recurrent varicocele

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low inguinal (or subinguinal) approach in the treatment of recurrent of persistent varicocele after surgical treatment. Recurrent varicocele was diagnosed in 23 patients who previously underwent surgical treatment. The technique used consisted of low inguinal incision at the level of the external inguinal ring without opening the external oblique aponeurosis. External spermatic veins (cremasteric veins) were dissected and selectively ligated. Then the spermatic fascia was incised and the internal spermatic veins were identified and ligated individually. Postoperative radioisotope scan, scrotal examination and sperm analysis were used for treatment evaluation. Twenty-one (91.3%) had negative postoperative scan and no signs of varicocele on physical examination. A marked improvement of sperm analysis was noted in 19 patients (p<0.05), while two had only minor improvement. Two patients had positive postoperative scans without improvement of semen analysis. Neither atrophy nor azoospermia were detected on follow-up examination in any of these men, however, one patient developed hydrocele. This study indicates a good surgical outcome and improvement of semen quality without significant complications.     

Predictors of pain resolution after varicocelectomy for painful varicocele

Varicocelectomy is a management option for patients with painful varicocele. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of varicocelectomy for painful varicocele and examined the factors that might be predictive of outcome. All patients who underwent a varicocelectomy for pain between February 2007 and July 2009 were included. A review of patient medical records was conducted; patient age, body mass index (BMI), grade, location of the varicocele, testicular volume, duration and quality of the pain (dull, dragging, throbbing or sharp) and surgical technique (inguinal versus subinguinal) were documented. All parameters were compared with the resolution of pain (complete, partial or failure). We followed up on 53 of 104 patients (51.0%). Complete postoperative resolution of pain was reported by 28 patients (52.8%), whereas 22 (41.5%) reported partial resolution. Only three patients (5.7%) reported failure. No relationship was observed between postoperative pain resolution and age, BMI, grade of varicocele, location of varicocele, ipsilateral testicular hypotrophy, quality of pain or surgical technique. The duration of pain before surgery was the only factor that correlated with postoperative pain resolution (univariate, P=0.004; multivariate, P=0.002). Our results indicate that varicocelectomy is an effective treatment for painful varicocele in properly selected patients, and that duration of pain before surgery may be predictive of outcome.     

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.     

Intraoperative Varicocele Anatomy: A Microscopic Study of the Inguinal Versus Subinguinal Approach

PurposeThe groin approach to varicocelectomy is performed by an inguinal (aponeurosis of external oblique opened) or subinguinal (external oblique aponeurosis intact) technique. We describe the number and relationship of internal and external spermatic arteries, veins and lymphatics within the subinguinal portion of the spermatic cord in infertile men undergoing microscopic varicocelectomy and compare these findings to the microanatomy observed with the inguinal approach.Materials and MethodsA total of 48 consecutive patients underwent 84 microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomies during which the detailed intraoperative microanatomy of the spermatic cord and gubernacula was recorded. These observations were compared with a previously reported group of 83 consecutive patients that underwent 115 inguinal varicocelectomies. Subinguinal microscopic findings were also evaluated relative to clinical varicocele grade.ResultsThe spermatic cord in the subinguinal dissection was characterized by a smaller number of large (greater than 5 mm) internal spermatic veins and a greater number of small (less than 2 mm) internal spermatic veins than the cord in the inguinal dissection (mean 0.4 vs 1.9 large veins and mean 7.9 vs 4.7 small veins, respectively). The subinguinal dissection was also characterized by a significantly greater percentage of external spermatic veins greater than 2 mm than that observed during inguinal dissection (93% vs 74%, respectively, p <0.05). Multiple spermatic arteries were identified in 75% of subinguinal dissections and in only 31% of inguinal dissections (p <0.03). Internal spermatic arteries were surrounded by a dense complex of adherent veins in 95% of cases using the subinguinal approach, whereas this finding was true in only 30% of cases with the inguinal approach (p <0.001). The clinical grade of a varicocele was significantly associated with the number of internal spermatic veins greater than 2 mm found intraoperatively (p <0.001) but not with the maximum internal spermatic vein diameter.ConclusionsAlthough the subinguinal approach to microsurgical varicocelectomy obviates the need to open the aponeurosis of the external oblique, it is associated with a greater number of internal spermatic veins and arteries compared with the inguinal approach. The primary branch point for the testicular artery occurs most commonly during its course through the inguinal canal. Internal spermatic arteries at the subinguinal level are more than 3 times as likely to be surrounded by a dense network of adherent veins than when they are identified at the inguinal level. Taken together, these data suggest that microscopic dissection is more difficult with a subinguinal incision.     

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.     

The impact of internal spermatic artery ligation during laparoscopic varicocelectomy on recurrence rate and short post operative outcome

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare the recurrence rate and short postoperative outcome after randomized laparoscopic varix ligation with internal spermatic artery (ISA) preservation versus laparoscopic varix ligation with ISA ligation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with 35 varicocele who required varix ligation for infertility in 13 patients, scrotal pain in 15 patients and scrotal swelling in 2 patients who underwent one of two procedures: laparoscopic varix ligation with ISA prservation (Group A) or laparoscopic varix ligation with ISA ligation (Group B) were postoperatively evaluated for short post operative outcome and underwent percutaneous spermatic venograms to detect recurrence. Fisher's Exact Test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Recurrence through parallel collaterals was noted in 39% and 5.9% in Group A and Group B respectively as demonstrated on percutaneous spermatic venous venography (PSV) (statistically significant p = 0.0408). Preoperative pain completely resolved in all patients in Group B and persisted in 45% in Group A. However, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.088). No testicular atrophy or hydrocele formation was noted in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic varix ligation with ISA ligation has lower recurrence rate than laparoscopic varix ligation without ISA ligation and may provide better varicocele related pain control with no increase in hydrocele or testicular atrophy rate. We recommend ISA ligation routinely during laparoscopic varix ligation.     

显微镜下三种手术入路治疗精索静脉曲张的探索

目的对比分析显微镜下三种手术入路治疗精索静脉曲张的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2017年3月至2019年2月于苏州大学附属第二医院行精索静脉结扎术的88例患者资料,所有患者均在显微镜下行精索静脉结扎术,手术由同一组医师完成。根据手术入路的不同分为三组,Ⅰ组经腹膜后切口(n=14),Ⅱ组经腹股沟切口(n=48),Ⅲ组经外环口下切口(n=26),比较三组患者的手术时间、结扎静脉数量、复发率、精液质量的改善情况、视觉模拟评分法(VAS)及术后短期并发症。结果Ⅲ组手术时间、结扎静脉分支数量明显多于Ⅱ组(P<0.05);三组患者术后精液质量均优于术前(P<0.05);术后VAS评分均低于术前评分(P<0.05)。但是,三组患者短期并发症的发生率、复发率、阴囊疼痛缓解程度、精子活力与形态改善情况进行组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论三种显微镜下精索静脉结扎术均能改善患者精液质量、缓解阴囊疼痛。临床上,应根据患者的实际情况选择合适的手术入路完成手术,以获得好的临床疗效。     

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.     

Laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy in the adolescent is safe after previous ipsilateral inguinal surgery

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy (LPV) in young boys who had undergone previous ipsilateral inguinal surgery (in whom potentially the arterial supply to the testicles may be compromised) in an attempt to assess its safety for the collateral vascular supply in such cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 5-year period (1995-2000) 44 patients underwent LPV, where both the spermatic artery and vein were ligated high above the internal ring. Thirteen patients had undergone previous ipsilateral inguinal surgery, which included inguinal hernia repairs in five, orchidopexy in two, communicating hydrocele repair in three and previous varicocele repair in three. All patients were followed clinically at 3 months and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: There were no complications related to laparoscopy or varicocele ligation. No patient developed ipsilateral testicular atrophy; moreover the testis size remained stable or was associated with compensatory growth in all patients. CONCLUSION: Previous inguinal surgery involving the ipsilateral testicle does not appear to affect the collateral blood circulation to the affected testis in boys who undergo LPV mass ligation of the internal spermatic vein and artery. LPV for varicocele is safe in boys who have undergone previous inguinal surgery, suggesting that an adequate collateral blood supply is present.     

不同术式治疗胡桃夹综合征所致左侧精索静脉曲张的疗效分析

目的探讨不同术式治疗胡桃夹综合征所致左侧精索静脉曲张的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析郑州大学第一附属医院在2015年7月至2018年9月期间诊治的胡桃夹综合征所致左侧精索静脉中重度曲张患者的临床资料。56例患者共分为3组,24例患者行显微镜下左侧精索静脉低位结扎术+精索外静脉剥离切除术为低位结扎组;19例患者行开放性左侧精索静脉高位结扎术为高位结扎组;13例患者左侧精索静脉中重度曲张并有血尿和/或蛋白尿,行腹腔镜下左肾静脉外支架固定术+生殖静脉结扎术,为血蛋白尿组。术后随访6~30个月,平均(11.5±6.5)月,患者于术前及术后6个月复查阴囊彩超及精液分析,对比精索静脉直径和精液恢复情况。结果①3组患者组内比较:精索静脉直径术后显著小于术前,精子浓度、精子活率术后显著高于术前,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.01);组间比较:精子浓度3组间术前术后差异均无显著性统计学意义(P均>0.05);而精索静脉直径低位结扎组优于其他2组,精子活率的提高低位结扎组优于其他2组,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。②血蛋白尿组患者术后随访血尿、蛋白尿症状消失,左肾静脉受压状况明显改善,低位结扎组、高位结扎组左肾静脉受压状况无明显改善。结论显微镜下左侧精索静脉低位结扎术是治疗胡桃夹综合征所致左侧精索静脉中重度曲张的一种姑息、有效的手术方式。     

Long-term effects of microsurgical varicocelectomy on pain and sperm parameters in clinical varicocele patients with scrotal pain complaints

We aimed to investigate the long-term effects of microsurgical varicocelectomy on pain improvement and sperm parameters in patients with varicocele-related pain. A total of 72 patients who had undergone microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy because of varicocele with scrotal pain between 2004 and 2009 were included in the study. The patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of pain following surgical treatment. The patients expressing a decrease in frequency and severity of pain or minimal fullness sense were included in the pain-positive group. The mean follow-up period was 54.4 ± 18.06 months. There was left-sided varicocele in 80.3% of patients, while 19.7% had bilateral varicocele. In our study, complete success rate (Visual Analog Scale: 0-1) was found to be 79.2% (57/72), while failure (complete and partial failure) rate was 20.8% (15/72), and a significant difference was found (P < 0.05). Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy is a reliable approach for clinically varicocele patients with scrotal pain complaints. Regardless of the type of pain, varicocelectomy significantly decreases pain. The success of the treatment is not related to the degree of varicocele.     

Outcomes for surgical management of orchalgia in patients with identifiable intrascrotal lesions

OBJECTIVE: The outcome of surgery for relief of orchalgia in patients with identifiable intrascrotal pathology is not well defined. We evaluated the success of commonly performed surgical procedure indicated for pain relief in patients with specific intrascrotal lesions. METHODS: Surgical cases performed for relief of painful scrotal pathology were reviewed, including ligation of internal spermatic vein, hydrocelectomy, spermatocelectomy, and orchiopexy for suspected intermittent torsion. Relief of pain as reported to the physician and time for return to full activity were determined. Pain relief was compared to a 50% placebo rate using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Eigthy-five of 151 patients (56%) undergoing surgery for pain relief had complete data and adequate follow-up for analysis. Of 40 patients who had ligation of the internal spermatic vein, 30 (75%) were relieved of pain (p = 0.037). All 19 patients with painful hydroceles and 16 of 17 (94%) with spermatoceles were relieved of pain (p < 0.001). Of 9 patients undergoing scrotal orchiopexy for suspected intermittent torsion, 8 (89%) were pain-free (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgical management of specific intrascrotal lesions is highly effective.     

Surgical therapy of varicocele. Technical note on the inguinal approach]

BACKGROUND: There are several therapeutic proposals for idiopathic varicocele treatment, but all of them present a certain number of relapses. The technique proposed consists, through an inguinal approach, in a systematic ligation and section of all veins potentially responsible of a venous reflux. METHODS: During a period from 1990-1995 a total of 73 patients were surgically treated for idiopathic varicocele with this technique. All patients underwent preoperative spermiogram, hormonal assay and Doppler velocimetry. Through an inguinal approach, under selective spinal anaesthesia, a ligature and section of the internal spermatic vein at the internal inguinal ring is performed, followed by searching, ligature and section, of other veins responsible of venous reflux (external spermatic vein, anastomosis with sapheno-femoral veins, arteriovenous micro-anastomosis, pubic veins). The patient is discharged within twenty-four hours. RESULTS: An external dilated spermatic vein was discovered in 30.1%, pubic veins in 49.3%, anastomosis with safeno-femoral veins in 10.9% and arteriovenous micro-anastomosis in 43.8%. There were no mortality or serious postoperative morbidity; only in five cases there were complications consistent in two orchitis and three hydrocele. No relapse at follow-up (12-36 months), performed with palpation and a Doppler study, was found, while there was a spermiogram improvement in 61.6% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: This surgical approach is a safe and radical treatment without any relapse, of all types of varicocele.     

Modified microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy without testicular delivery

The aim of this study is to report our experience of modified microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy without delivery of the testes. We retrospectively evaluated 138 men treated with microsurgical varicocelectomy who took part in 1-year follow-up between 1997 and 2007. The varicoceles were grade III in 115 (81.6%), grade II in 23 (16.3%), and grade I in 3 (2.1%) men. We used a technical modification of the standard microsurgical subinguinal technique: division of the spermatic cord before microsurgical dissection, and the testes were not delivered. Patient age, varicocele grade, operation time, 1-year follow-up results, including complications, symptom relief, and recurrence, were recorded. We performed 141 varicocelectomies (Left: n = 135; bilateral: n = 3) in 138 men. The patients' mean age was 23.5 ± 2.7 (range: 11-45) years. The mean operation time was 69.6 ± 15.6 (range: 35-140) min. There were three complications (2.2%; post-operative haematomas: n = 2; wound infection: n = 1) and 6 recurrences (4.3%; grade II: n = 1; grade III: n = 5). Among the 86 patients with scrotal pain, 74 (77.9%) reported complete resolution of pain and 13 (12.9%) reported partial resolution. Modified microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy without testis delivery is safe and effective.     

Microsurgical Varicocele Repair on Men with Grade III Lesions and Chronic Dull Scrotal Pain: A Pilot Study

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microsurgical varicocele repair in patients with grade III lesions and chronic dull scrotal pain.

Materials and Methods

The study was based on 8 patients with grade III left-sided varicocele and chronic dull scrotal pain for whom a microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair was performed. The 1-year follow-up included pain assessment and scrotal examination.

Results

Of the 8 patients, 7 (88%) reported complete resolution of pain with no palpable varicocele on scrotal examination. No cases of testicular atrophy or hydrocele formation were reported.

Conclusion

These results indicated that microsurgical varicocele repair may benefit patients with grade III lesions and chronic dull scrotal pain.Key Words: Microsurgery, Chronic scrotal pain, Varicocele, Varicocele repair     

显微镜下小切口行精索静脉-腹壁下静脉转流术治疗胡桃夹综合征的临床疗效观察

目的观察显微镜下腹股沟小切口行精索静脉高位结扎及精索静脉-腹壁下静脉转流术治疗胡桃夹综合征的临床疗效，评估手术方法的可行性、安全性及有效性。 方法选择我院门诊初诊左侧精索静脉曲张的患者，经阴囊彩超、肾静脉-泌尿系彩超、肾功能、尿常规及CT等检查确诊为胡桃夹综合征8例，腰硬联合麻醉下腹股沟小切口行显微精索静脉高位结扎术及精索静脉-腹壁下静脉转流术，术后随访6个月。 结果8例患者手术均获得成功。手术切口2～3 cm。腰腹痛、阴囊坠胀不适等临床症状明显改善或消失。尿常规恢复正常。精子浓度和（a+b级）精子活力明显改善（P<0.05）。复查彩超提示所有患者精索静脉曲张均治愈。左侧精索静脉-腹壁下静脉吻合口血流通畅。腹主动脉前狭窄段左肾静脉峰值流速较术前明显变缓。肾门扩张段与腹主动脉前狭窄段左肾静脉管径的比值较术前明显变小（P<0.05）。 结论显微镜下腹股沟小切口行精索静脉高位结扎术及精索静脉-腹壁下静脉转流术治疗胡桃夹综合征临床效果确切、操作相对简单、创伤小、安全性高，值得临床推广。     

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.     

Surgical treatment of varicocele with inguinal microligation technique. 6-year experience

BACKGROUND: Varicocele is found approximately in 15% of the male population and is considered a major cause of infertility. Varicocele management include surgical (traditional or laparoscopic) or conservative techniques (sclerotherapy). The authors present their experience on microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy. This technique has been adopted since 1992 to decrease the incidence of recidives of high spermatic vein ligation; it also permitted to use local or loco-regional anesthesia, reducing time of hospitalization and realizing a minimally invasive approach. METHODS: From 1992 to 1997, 433 microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy with artery and lymphatic sparing have been performed at the Militar Hospital of Milan in 409 young men with idiopathic varicocele. All patients were discharged 24 hours after operation. Only those who lived particularly far from the hospital remained for 48 hours. RESULTS: Clinical controls were performed I, III, VI months after operation. At the third control (VI month), a new semen analysis was performed, and 65% of patients had an improvement of seminal characteristics. In 394 patients, a complete resolution of varicocele was observed; 4 patients had a recurrence of the pathology and 11 had a recidive. Seventy-three patients who presented a concomitant homolateral inguinal hernia were treated at the same time. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusion is drawn that microsurgical ligation of spermatic veins represents a good surgical option in the treatment of varicocele. It is a quite simple technique that guarantees a low risk of recidives, permits using local or loco-regional anesthesia and can be performed in day-surgery with good results, few complications and good short and long term results.