Long term outcomes of lymphatic sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy

ObjectiveTo assess the long-term occurrence of hydroceles and varicocele recurrence in patients receiving lymphatic sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LSLV) compared to those receiving plain laparoscopic varicocelectomy (PLV), and also to assess the growth of testicular volume postoperatively.MethodsWe employed a standard three-trocar configuration. The spermatic vessels were identified in the retroperitoneum above the internal inguinal ring. Lymphatics were dissected free from the spermatic artery and veins based on laparoscopic appearance. The spermatic artery and veins were divided between plastic locking clips. We performed a retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy between June 2003 and January 2009.ResultsOf a total of 97 patients, 67 underwent LSLV with mean follow-up of 45.8 ± 20.7 months and 30 underwent PLV with mean follow-up of 40.8 ± 25.3 months (p = 15). There was a 4.5% hydrocele rate in the LSLV group compared to 43.3% in the PLV group. Of the patients who underwent a PLV and subsequently developed a hydrocele, 31% (n = 4) required a hydrocelectomy, vs none of those who developed a hydrocele after LSLV. Varicocele rate was 6% in the LSLV group vs 3.3% in the PLV group. However, when the artery was not preserved, the probability of recurrence in the LSLV group was 1.3%. Time to hydrocele formation was 16 months in the LSLV group vs 37 months in the PLV group. There was catch-up testicular growth in both groups.ConclusionsThere appears to be increased risk of need for a hydrocelectomy after a PLV as compared to LSLV. Performing a lymphatic sparing, non-artery preserving, laparoscopic varicocelectomy has success and complication rates comparable with those of subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy. There appears to be excellent catch-up testicular growth with either laparoscopic varicocelectomy technique.     

Evolving management of adolescent varicocele

ObjectiveTo review the evolution in indications for treatment and treatment modalities for adolescent varicocele at our centre, and evaluate the impact of varicocelectomy on final outcome.Patients and methodsBetween 1995 and 2006, we treated 242 left varicoceles. Preoperative assessment included clinical evaluation, measurement of testicular volumes, and colour-Doppler ultrasound (CDUS). A subinguinal varicocelectomy was performed in 124 patients (group A), and a laparoscopic non-artery-sparing Palomo procedure in the remaining 118 (group B). In group B patients, CDUS was also used to investigate the functional anatomy of varicocele, and all the veins found to be refluxing were divided during surgery. The two groups were compared with regard to indications for surgery and outcome.ResultsOver time the proportion of patients operated on because of testicular growth retardation increased. Persistence/recurrence rate was comparable between the two groups. In 13% of group B patients, the deferential vein was found to be refluxing on preoperative CDUS and was divided at surgery. Hydrocele rate was higher in group A, unless the vaginalis was excised and everted during varicocelectomy. About 75% of patients with preoperative left testicular growth failure experienced postoperative catch-up growth, irrespective of treatment.ConclusionIndications for treatment are still evolving. Varicocele can successfully be treated in the majority of cases by either a laparoscopic or subinguinal approach. Both techniques require care, and CDUS can aid in the decision making. Most patients with preoperative testicular growth failure experience postoperative catch-up growth.     

Adolescent varicocelectomy: postoperative catch-up growth is not secondary to lymphatic ligation

PurposeThe major indication for adolescent varicocelectomy is testicular asymmetry with the left testicle smaller than the right. Catch-up growth following surgery is one of the parameters used to assess efficacy of surgery. However, it is not clear whether this represents true tissue growth or increased interstitial fluid secondary to lymphatic obstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare catch-up growth in patients who underwent varicocelectomy with and without lymphatic preservation.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 136 boys (mean age 15.1 years) who had 10% or greater preoperative testicular asymmetry and underwent varicocelectomy between 1997 and 2006. Surgery was either a laparoscopic nonlymphatic sparing or laparoscopic lymphatic sparing varicocelectomy. All patients had pre- and postoperative ultrasound volume measurements at least 6 months following surgery. The groups were compared for incidence of postoperative catch-up growth, achieving less than 10% testicular asymmetry.ResultsAfter a mean follow up of 24.7 months, catch-up growth was achieved in 62.8% of patients. There was no significant difference between the groups in regard to catch-up growth (51.7% vs 66.3%, P = 0.193).ConclusionsSince no significant difference was found between the laparoscopic nonlymphatic sparing and laparoscopic lymphatic sparing varicocelectomies, we conclude that lymphatic obstruction is not the cause of catch-up growth.     

The Vasodilator Effect of Testosterone on Human Spermatic Vein And its Relation With Grade of Varicocele

PurposeSeveral animal and human studies, both in vivo and in vitro, indicate that testosterone has vasodilatory effects on different vessels. Aim of this study is to investigate the effect of testosterone on spermatic vein in vitro in patients with varicocele and to analyse its relation with the grade of varicocele.Material and MethodsIsolated spermatic veins (SV) were collected from patients undergoing varicocelectomy and orchiectomy. The veins were transferred to the laboratory in Krebs-Henseleit solution at +4 °C. The tissues were cut into 3-4 mm strips. The preparations were mounted in an organ bath, containing 10 ml of Krebs-Henseleit solution, on an L-shaped brace for tension measurement along the former circumferential axis. Changes in venous tensions were recorded isometrically by a force-displacement transducer.ResultsCumulative concentrations of testosterone (10 nM - 300 mM) elicited concentration –dependent relaxation of 45 mM KCl –induced active tone in SV (64.3 + 3.2% of KCl - induced contraction). Relaxation to testosterone (0.1 μM - 300 μM) was significantly higher in varicocele with grade 0 and 1 (n = 3) (Emax = %92,78 ± 3,95, % of KCl - induced contraction) than in varicocele with grade 2 and 3 (n = 12) (Emax = %58,68 ± 6,76, % of KCl - induced contraction, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe present study is the first to report male sex hormone testosterone -induced relaxation of human spermatic vein. The vasodilatory effect of testosterone on human spermatic vein decreases in varicocele with high grades.     

Laparoscopic Palomo varicocele surgery: Lessons learned after 10 years’ follow up of 156 consecutive pediatric patients

ObjectivesTo evaluate our experience using laparoscopic Palomo varicocele ligation in a population under 18 years, and confirm the factors involved in postoperative hydrocele formation.Patients and methodsBetween 1997 and 2007, 156 boys diagnosed as having varicocele were evaluated retrospectively. Outcome variables recorded for analysis were age at presentation, symptoms, varicocele grade (Dubin–Amelar classification), testicular atrophy, length of hospital stay, perioperative complications, recurrence and hydrocele formation after surgery. Mean follow up was 5.6 years (6 months– 9 years).ResultsAge at diagnosis ranged between 9 and 18 years. Mean age at operation was 14.1 ± 1.8 years. There were 153 left-side varicoceles (98%) and three cases were bilateral. All patients had grade II or III varicocele (38%/62%) and testicular atrophy was noted in 43.8%; 8.1% mentioned testicular pain at diagnosis. All boys underwent Palomo laparoscopic ligation of the spermatic vessels. Mean operative time was 38 min (25–82 min). The last 51 surgeries were performed on a two-trocar basis with Ligasure^® vascular sealing device and operative time decreased significantly to 22 min (16–32 min) (P < 0.05). Median hospital stay was 31 ± 8 h. Conversion rate was 1.28%. Twenty-one patients developed hydrocele (13.5%); 11 of these underwent Winkelman–Lord's hydrocelectomy at least 1 year after Palomo (9% of total). Of the remaining 10, two resolved spontaneously and eight were stable at mean 4-year follow up.ConclusionsLaparoscopic Palomo varicocele surgery for pediatric patients is a safe and effective procedure. Recurrence and complication rates are similar to those reported with open surgery.     

Dye-assisted lymphatic-sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy in children

IntroductionThe ideal method for varicocelectomy in children remains controversial. We present our experience with dye-assisted lymphatic-sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LSLV) in children, which overcomes the limitations of previously described techniques.Materials and methodsTwenty-five consecutive LSLVs were performed on children with a mean age of 15 years over a 4-year period. Varicocele grade was 3 in 21 cases and grade 2 in 4. Indications for intervention were hypotrophy in 12, pain in 11 cases and family preference in 2. A scrotal injection of lymphatic dye was utilized to spare at least one lymphatic and the remaining spermatic vessels were divided.ResultsLymphatic sparing was accomplished in all cases. Operative time varied from 30 to 140 min (mean 85 ± 26). No perioperative complications were noted. On average follow-up of 13 months a residual varicocele was noted in 2 cases, with no hydrocele and resolution of pain. Mean testicular volume difference diminished from 33% pre to 18% postoperatively.ConclusionThis multi-surgeon experience demonstrates that dye-assisted LSLV is easily accomplished with promising results. It appears that preservation of a single spermatic lymphatic vessel is sufficient, although in some cases a second dye injection is required to visualize the lymphatics.     

Surgical management of nutcracker phenomenon presenting as left varicocele in adolescents: A novel approach

ObjectiveTo present a new approach using a shunt operation for the management of nutcracker phenomenon presenting as left varicocele in adolescent patients.Materials and methods12 adolescent patients with the nutcracker phenomenon presenting as left varicocele underwent a shunt operation consisting of anastomosis of the proximal part of the spermatic vein and inferior epigastric vein to lower the left renal vein (LRV) pressure. A simple ligation of the left spermatic vein was then used to repair the varicocele.Results12 patients underwent surgery, and symptoms of hematuria, proteinuria, scrotum discomfort, and flank pain disappeared post surgery in all patients. Patients were followed for 24–72 months (mean 48 months). The diameters of the proximal LRV and the peak velocities in the aortomesenteric portion of the LRV were significantly decreased after surgery (p < 0.001). Left testicular volume significantly increased after surgery. One patient had recurrence of the left varicocele and one adolescent had minimal hydrocele requiring no intervention. No major complications were observed during and after surgery.ConclusionAnastomosis of the proximal part of the spermatic vein and inferior epigastric vein is an efficacious and safe surgical approach for the management of nutcracker phenomenon presenting as left varicocele in adolescents.     

Sub-inguinal interruption of dilated veins in adolescent varicocele: should it be considered a gold standard technique?

AIM: Surgeons of varicocele are at present still searching for a gold standard technique, which can correct varicocele without any recurrences, maintaining optimal testicular function, having got minimal current and future morbidity and being cost effective. We evaluated the presence of these criteria in the technique of sub-inguinal dilated vein interruption. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2001, 142 youngsters and adolescents underwent surgery for varicocele repair at our hospital. Average patient age was 12.4 years (range 8 to 15). One-hundred-six cases (74.7%) were grade III varicocele, while 36 (25.5 ) were grade II. Grade II varicoceles underwent surgery only if associated with scrotal discomfort, testicular softness or hypotrophy of the affected testis (differential volume between the 2 testicles more than 20% or more than 2 ml ). Varicoceles were repaired using a subinguinal ligation of intrafunicular and extrafunicolar dilated veins. The testicular vaginalis was not touched in 46 children (Group A) but it was reversed in 42 and resected in the other 54 cases to prevent postoperative hydrocele. RESULTS: In 126 cases (88.7%) varicocele disappeared after surgery, in 12 (8.4%) a mild residual vein dilatation persisted but without any sign of reflux at color-Doppler ultrasound, in 4 patients a postoperative venous reflux was found. Thus, our recurrence rate is nowadays 2.8%. Average postoperative follow-up was 2.3 years (range 1 to 5 years). No testicular atrophy was observed. Based on our last series, at 1 year follow-up control (26 cases throughout year 2000), mean testicular volume, assessed by ultrasound, increased not significantly after surgery from ml 4.69 (SD+/-1.46) preoperative volume to ml 5.19 (SD+/-1.36) postoperative (p=0.2). CONCLUSION: First of all, we found a recurrence rate of 2.9% similar to the lowest of the other procedures. Regarding morbidity, the main inconvenience consists in postoperative hydrocele. It occurred in 13% of our 1st series (group A), but only in 4.1% of patients after reversion or resection of the vaginalis tunica. Average postoperative testicular volume increases after varicocelectomy in our patients, even if not significantly. About sparing the testicular artery or not it has been demonstrated that ligation of this artery doesn't impair testicular growth up and our own observations confirm this evidence. Thus we believe it to be more useful and safe to interrupt this artery to avoid recurrences due to a periarterial venous network. Finally we can conclude that sub-inguinal ligature of dilated veins, when approached with rigorous understanding of the pathophysiology of varicocele is a very safe procedure and low cost effectiveness.     

Surgical Treatment of Varicocele in Children by the open and Laparoscopic Palomo Technique. a Metanalysis

PurposeTo evaluate the surgical RESULTS of the varicocele treatment in children by open and laparoscopic and open varicocele technique by means of a systematic review of the literature.Material and MethodsA systematic review was performed based on an English literature search using the MEDLINE^® database between 1970 and 2006. The key words used were varicocele and children. All articles that were related to treatment of varicocele in children and adolescents with Palomo technique were selected. The exclusion criteria were age higher than 18 years old and articles which the type of treatment and the outcome were not clear. Of 264 papers evaluated 27 were selected.Results1090 patients who underwent Palomo surgery were included in the analisis. 744 and 1346 patients were treated by the open and the laparocopic Palomo technique, respectively. The rate of postoperative hydrocele, recurrence of the varicocele, testicular catch up and testicular atrophy in the open and laparoscopic Palomo surgery was 10,6 % and 11 % (p > 0,05), 7,08 % and 4,8 % (p > 0,05), 65,6 % and 80 % (p < 0,05), 6 % and 11,2 % (p < 0,05), respectively.ConclusionsThis metanalysis of the literature demonstrates that because of the high rate complication, open and laparoscopic Palomo technique should not be recomended.     

Decision-making in pediatric varicocele surgery: use of color Doppler ultrasound

 Although varicoceles are common in adolescence, the indications for surgery as well as the procedure of choice are controversial. We have evaluated the use of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) as an objective tool in the assessment of such patients in a 5-year prospective study for determination of varicocele size, venous flow patterns, testicular volume, and resistance index. A high ligation was performed only when reverse blood flow was demonstrable in the varicocele during a Valsalva maneuver, and a low approach when this finding was absent. Twenty-six boys underwent low ligation and 53 high ligation based on the findings of CDUS. The incidence of recurrence (3.8%) was lower than that encountered by the same surgical team prior to introduction of CDUS (20.5%) (P = 0.004). These results are even more striking when contrasted with published recurrence rates of 12% to 15% (P = 0.015 to 0.003). Thus, CDUS proved to be a useful tool in selecting the proper surgical approach for varicocele in adolescence. The incidence of recurrence was significantly reduced following the introduction of this procedure. Accepted: 7 April 1999     

Painful varicocele in pediatric age: is there a correlation between pain,testicular damage and hormonal values to justify surgery?

Purpose  Pain is one of the indications to treat varicocele at any age. The purpose of this study is to find a possible correlation between pain and objective testicular damage through the analysis of hormonal values. Methods  Between 1990 and 2001, varicocelectomy was performed on 44 adolescents with painful varicocele using two different techniques. Thirty-eight patients were eligible for the study. Pre- and post-operative hormonal values were analyzed retrospectively to find a possible correlation between pain and testicular damage or discomfort. The patients had to fill out a simple questionnaire about their type of pain following a two-grade rating scale. After treatment, relief of pain or persistence of symptoms were recorded. Results  Six months after surgery 26 patients showed complete relief of pain. There was not a statistically significant correlation between grade of varicocele, type of surgery and relief of symptoms. Clinically there was not a statistically significant correlation between pain and hormonal values. Conclusions  Management of painful varicocele in pediatric patients should be studied through randomized trials comparing conservative and surgical treatments. While waiting for objective data supporting surgery, clinical evidence justifies varicocelectomy which, on the other hand, is not supported by objective clinical data (i.e., hormonal values).     

Predictors for recurrence after urethroplasty in pediatric and adolescent stricture urethra

ObjectiveThis study aims at evaluating factors predicting recurrence of urethral stricture following urethroplasty in pediatric patients at a tertiary care center.Patients and methodsFifty-two patients of up to 18 years of age, who underwent urethroplasty, were reviewed. Duration of symptoms, etiology, previous intervention, and site of stricture, surgical modality, stricture length, and spongiofibrosis at stricture site, recurrence, and ancillary procedures required were recorded.ResultsForty-two (82.76%) patients (Group I) had recurrence-free course on follow-up. Of the 10 patients with recurrence (Group II), 9 had PTS and 1 had IS (p = 0.04). Most of the factors evaluated did not differ statistically between the groups; however, length of stricture (1.8 vs. 4.3 cm, p < 0.001) and degree of spongiofibrosis (61% vs. 90%, p = 0.003) were significantly different. Seven patients with recurrence were managed with single procedures, but three required multiple procedures because of multiple recurrences. History of incision and drainage for paraurethral abscess was significantly higher (28.6% vs. 100%, p = 0.002) in patients who had multiple recurrences.ConclusionsEtiology, fibrosis at local site, and stricture length have significant impact on recurrence of pediatric urethral stricture disease. Associated paraurethral abscess may further compromise the outcome of urethroplasty.     

Microsurgical treatment of varicocele in children

The varicocele is a common cause of adult male infertility, but surgical treatment in adolescence still remains controversial. Many data suggest that early recognition and correction of a varicocele may prevent testicular damage and sterility. The argument that infertility does not necessarily result in each case is probably not relevant due to uncertainty involved in an individual case. Changes similar to those observed in infertile adults occur in the affected testicle in adolescents with varicocele. High ligation of the spermatic veins is associated with a 20% recurrence rate. Twenty-five children (mean age 12 years 5 months) underwent microsurgical treatment for a left-sided varicocele. All had antegrade phlebography under general anesthesia to distinguish the type of varicocele and determine the proper surgical approach. Twenty (80%) patients had type 1, 2 (8%) type 2, and 3 (12%) had a third type. All were treated using Belgrano's technique, which seems to allow anatomic-physiologic venous return from the testis. The mean postoperative hospitalization was 4 days and the mean follow-up time 17 months. Begrano's technique is a complete, easy and esthetically effective procedure for treating varicocele in childhood. It is also advisable to employ phlebography in patients treated by the most common surgical approach to avoid recurrences. These findings encourage early surgical treatment, which in our experience was always effective. Offprint requests to: P. Bagolan     

High prevalence of intratesticular varicocele in a post-orchidopexy cohort

PurposeIntratesticular varicocele (ITV) is an uncommon sonographic finding. A prevalence of up to 2% has been reported in men with testicular problems. In a cohort of men who had undergone prepubertal orchidopexy for acquired undescended testis, several cases of ITV were found. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence and clinical aspects of ITV in this cohort.MethodsIn a long-term follow-up study of position and growth of undescended testis after prepubertal orchidopexy, ultrasonography was used to identify men with ITV. Data on clinical presentation, testicular volume, and the location, size and Doppler aspects of intratesticular varicocele were collected and analysed.ResultsOf the 105 men, 9 were identified with ITV (8.6%). In all patients, the side of orchidopexy correlated with the side of the ITV, and all were left-sided. The testis with ITV had a smaller volume than the testis without ITV (p = 0.026).ConclusionsA remarkably high prevalence of ITV (8.6%) was found as well as a smaller volume of the testes with ITV in a cohort of men who had undergone prepubertal orchidopexy for acquired undescended testis.     

三种手术方式治疗青少年精索静脉曲张242例

目的探讨青少年精索静脉曲张(varicocele,VC)的手术方式及疗效。方法 2011年6月至2014年12月在本院泌尿外科进行手术治疗的青少年VC患者242例,根据手术方式分为三组:腹腔镜手术组52例,腹膜后手术组127例,显微镜手术组63例。比较三组手术时间、术后住院时间、并发症、复发以及术后症状改善情况。结果三组均顺利完成手术,并获随访9个月。三组手术时间比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。显微镜手术组手术时间明显长于另外两组,腹腔镜手术组和腹膜后手术组无差异(P>0.05);三组术后住院时间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);腹腔镜手术组术后发生3例尿潴留,2例阴囊积液,术后并发症的发生率9.62%;腹膜后手术组术后发生7例尿潴留,4例阴囊积液,术后并发症的发生率8.66%;显微镜手术组无术后并发症,三组差异有统计学意义(x^2=6.084,P=0.048<0.05),显微镜手术组并发症的发生率低于另外两组,另外两组比较无明显差异。比较术后症状(睾丸疼痛、阴囊坠涨、阴囊表面异常团块)改善情况,腹膜后组症状改善120例,腹腔镜组症状改善50例,显微镜组症状改善60例,三组症状改善元明显统计学差异(x^-=0.224,P=0.894>0.05)。显微镜手术组术后未见复发,腹腔镜手术组术后复发5例,复发率9.62%;腹膜后手术组术后复发12例,复发率9.45%·,三组比较差异有统计学意义(x^2=6.437,P=0.040<0.05),显微镜手术组并发症的发生率低于另外两组,另外两组比较无明显差异。结论从目前随访结果来看,显微镜手术组手术效果优于另外两组。腹腔镜手术组更适合于双侧VC患者,腹膜后手术组简单易行,且花费较低。三种术式手术效果尚需进一步随访。     

Microsurgical spermatico-epigastric venous anastomosis in the treatment of varicocele in children: assessment of long-term patency.

AIM: To demonstrate the long-term patency of microsurgical anastomoses between the internal spermatic vein and the inferior epigastric vein, constructed in the treatment of essential varicocele in paediatric patients to supplement ligation of the spermatic veins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We submitted 66 patients to inguinopelvic colour-flow Doppler ultrasonography. The patients had been treated 18 - 36 months earlier for essential varicocele by microsurgical inguinal ligation of the testicular venous pedicle and anastomosis between the internal spermatic vein and the inferior epigastric vein. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the 66 patients operated on at ages ranging from 10 to 16 years (13 +/- 1.4) presented with Dubin and Amelar grade II (14 patients) or grade III (52 patients) left varicocele with ipsilateral testicular hypotrophy. The postoperative follow-up showed 2 cases of persistence of disease and 3 cases of persistence of "medium" spermatic vein reflux without clinical evidence of varicocele. Seven patients developed left hydrocele which resolved spontaneously in 5 cases, whereas in 2 cases it proved necessary to perform an eversion of the tunica vaginalis of the testis. The results obtained in patients treated for Coolsaet type I varicocele (64 patients) were as follows: long-term patency of the anastomosis was observed in 58/64 patients (90.6 %); in 4 patients (6.2 %) the left inferior epigastric vein presented a position in relation to the homologous artery that prevented adequate sampling and thus made it impossible to assess the patency of the anastomosis; in 2 patients (3.1 %) the anastomosis was closed. In the two patients who had submitted to anastomosis for Coolsaet type III varicocele, colour-flow Doppler failed to identify the shunt. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that microsurgical anastomosis between the internal spermatic vein, and the inferior epigastric vein remains competent in the long term, thus confirming the validity of this technique for the treatment of essential varicocele in children.     

Testicular catch-up growth after varicocele correction in adolescents

We evaluated retrospectively the outcome of artery-sparing (AS) versus non-artery-sparing (NAS) laparoscopic varicocelectomy and measured any reversal of testicular growth. Twenty patients (13 left and 7 bilateral varicoceles) were evaluated after surgery. A total of 27 varicocelectomies (20 AS and 7 NAS) were performed. The indication for surgery was smaller testicular size on the affected side in all patients and discomfort/pain in 3. The mean age was 12.9 years (range 8–15 years) at surgery. The testicular volumes were determined clinically and by color Doppler sonography (US). The follow-up time was 6–48 months after surgery. There were 4 recurrences out of 27 varicocelectomies (15%), of which 1 has been reoperated. Testicular volumes were equal in both groups after surgery, indicating catch-up growth except in the cases with minor recurrences (2 AS and 2 NAS varicocelectomies). In 12 testes, dilated veins in the pampiniform plexus were revealed by US. No severe intraoperative complications occurred. Three patients had a hydrocele after surgery (11%). These data show that there is testicular catch-up growth after varicocelectomy, but some questions remain unanswered: (1) should the remaining dilated veins detected by Doppler US be tackled; and (2) is an AS operation worthwhile?     

腹腔镜Palomo术式丝线结扎治疗精索静脉曲张17例

目的评价腹腔镜Palomo术式丝线结扎治疗儿童精索静脉曲张的安全性和有效性。方法回顾性分析2009年1月-2011年2月在本院行腹腔镜Palomo术式治疗的17例精索静脉曲张患儿的临床资料。均为左侧单发精索静脉曲张,诊断依据查体及超声检查结果。术前行超声检查,静脉直径(3.03±0.69)mm,手术指征为有临床症状或重度(Ⅱ～Ⅲ度)精索静脉曲张,术式为腹腔镜Palomo术式。二氧化碳气腹压力1.33 kPa,置入3个Trocar。直视下于脐下置入第1个Trocar作为镜鞘,另2个置于左腹股沟区及耻骨联合上方。采用丝线双重结扎增粗的精索血管,间隔1.0～1.5 cm,双极电凝离断。结果手术均顺利完成。手术效果依据查体及术后超声检查结果综合评定。术后2 d复查彩超,患儿静脉直径明显缩小[(1.66±0.31)mm],睾丸血运良好。无手术并发症发生。术后2个月曲张的精索静脉均消失。随访无睾丸萎缩及鞘膜积液发生。结论腹腔镜下Palomo术式是治疗儿童精索静脉曲张安全有效的手术方法。     

小儿精索静脉曲张的腹腔镜治疗及随访

目的探讨腹腔镜在小儿精索静脉曲张中的治疗作用，以及保留或切断睾丸动脉对睾丸功能的影响。方法采用腹腔镜技术对32例患儿行睾丸动、静脉高位结扎术。其中，26例保留睾丸动脉．6例切断睾丸动脉。结果术后1～3个月．29例阴囊内曲张的静脉团块完全消失。术后6个月时．24例患侧睾丸体积增加约20％～30％；15～24个月时，患侧睾丸发育程度与对侧相比，没有明显差异。所有患儿均未发生睾丸萎缩。结论应用腹腔镜技术行睾丸动、静脉结扎切断术，创伤小．并发症少。保留或切断睾丸动脉，对睾丸的发育没有明显影响．但其远期效果需进一步随访。     

Evaluation of catch-up growth in severe pediatric Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate catch-up growth in children with severe Hashimoto's hypothyroidism (HH) after thyroid hormone replacement therapy (HRT).MethodsA multicenter retrospective study was conducted including children referred for growth slowdown that led to the diagnosis of HH between 1998 and 2017.ResultsA total of 29 patients were included, with a median age of 9.7 years (13–172 months). Median height at diagnosis was -2.7 [-4.6; -0.1] standard deviation score (SDS), with a height loss of 2.5 [0.7; 5.4] SDS compared to height before growth deflection (p<0.0001). At diagnosis, the median TSH level was 819.5 mIU/L [100; 1844], the median FT4 level was 0 pmol/L [undetectable; 5.4], and the median anti-thyroperoxidase antibody level was 1601 UI/L [47; 25,500].In the 20 patients treated only with HRT, there were significant differences between height at diagnosis and height at 1 year (n = 19, p<0.0001), 2 years (n = 13, p = 0.0005), 3 years (n = 9, p = 0.0039), 4 years (n = 10, p = 0.0078), and 5 years (n = 10, p = 0.0018) of treatment but not in the case of final height (n = 6, p = 0.0625). Median final height was -1.4 [-2.7; 1,5] SDS (n = 6), with a significant difference between height loss at diagnosis and total catch-up growth (p = 0.003).The other nine patients were also given growth hormone (GH). They were smaller at diagnosis (p = 0.01); however, there was no difference in final height between those two groups (p = 0.68).ConclusionSevere HH can lead to a major height deficit, and catch-up growth seems to be insufficient after treatment with HRT alone. In the most severe cases, administration of GH may enhance this catch-up.