Operative management of varicocele by high retroperitoneal ligation of the spermatic vein

High retroperitoneal ligation of the internal spermatic vein has been performed in 30 cases of varicocele. Renospermatic reflux had been demonstrated by preoperative phlebography in every case. Retrograde pressure brought to bear on the spermatic vein from the renal vein has been ascertained by intraoperative measurements of the pressures in the internal spermatic vein. On the ground of the results, high ligation of the spermatic vein is regarded as suitable for the surgical management of varicocele in case of renospermatic reflux.     

Role of intraoperative phlebography in the therapeutic approach of varicocele

Personal experience of intraoperative anterograde phlebography of the internal spermatic vein is reported. The use of this technique is suggested for controlling the result of internal spermatic vein ligature in cases of type I varicocele according to Coolsaet, diagnosed by preoperative retrograde phlebography. Early data make it possible to conclude that intraoperative anterograde phlebography is a valuable aid in reducing the frequency of recurrences.     

Varicocele in childhood and adolescence. Evaluation apropos of a series of 58 cases

5 to 25% of the male adolescents present with a varicocele; only those cases inducing serious discomfort or affecting the development of the testis require surgical treatment. Nevertheless the results of surgery are disappointing with a high recurrence rate. Based on a better knowledge of the testicular venous drainage, it appears that the conventional high ligation of the spermatic vein(s) might not be sufficient to cure the varicocele, fifty-eight patients were operated upon using four different procedures. Only a complete and proximal ligation of all of the visibly dilated veins seems to prevent recurrences with a follow-up of at least one year. However, out of eleven cases treated with this original procedure, one patient, already operated upon twice without success, developed secondary atrophy.     

Improvement of semen characteristics after surgical repair of bilateral testicular varicocele as compared to unilateral varicocele patients

The operative treatment for surgical repair of bilateral testicular varicoceles was evaluated in terms of the improvement achieved in the sperm density and percentage progressive motile sperm. These parameters were compared for 27 cases of bilateral varicocele diagnosed by palpation and subjected to bilateral high ligation of the internal spermatic vein and for 40 cases of left unilateral testicular varicocele. There were no significant differences in preoperative values (such as sperm density; progressive motile sperm; serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone; and Johnson's score count) between the bilateral and unilateral testicular varicocele groups. The improvement in postoperative sperm density in the cases with bilateral testicular varicocele was apparently less satisfactory than in the cases with testicular varicocele only on the left side.     

Effects of surgical repair of first degree varicocele on gonadal function and testicular atrophy

Varicocele is one of the main causes of male infertility. This pathology, in fact, is responsible for progressive anatomical and functional testicular damage. Constant monitoring of subjects suffering from varicocele is therefore necessary. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of varicocele surgical treatment on seminal parameters, testicular growth and pregnancy rate in patients with grade I varicocele. We operated on 47 patients with left grade I varicocele associated with sperm abnormalities and with testicular hypotrophy. A high ligation of the internal spermatic vein and all its collaterals was performed in all patients. The postoperative follow-up showed a significant improvement in seminal parameters (motility, morphology and sperm count) and in testicular volumes. Moreover, a pregnancy rate of 58% was observed. These results confirm the observations of other investigators and suggest that surgical therapy of varicocele is capable of improving seminal parameters, of reversing varicocele-related testicular hypotrophy and of achieving high pregnancy rates even in patients with grade I varicocele.     

Hemodynamics of the varicocele. Part I. Correlation among the clinical, phlebographic and scintigraphic findings

To determine whether the varicocele results from collateral circulation partially replacing an obstructed left renal vein, we developed a scintigraphic technique that provides not only information about the velocity of retrograde flow in the testicular veins but also quantitative information about the size of the varicocele. The reliability of this method was assessed by comparison with the results of phlebography and the clinical diagnosis in 104 patients. Furthermore, the diameter of the left testicular vein was determined on the phlebogram. Good correlation was found among the velocity of the retrograde flow in the left testicular vein, the size of the varicocele and the diameter of the left testicular vein.     

Intraoperative varicocele anatomy: a macroscopic and microscopic study.

Varicoceles are found in approximately 15% of all men in the general population and up to 41% of all infertile men. However, the exact location and relationship of internal and external spermatic arteries, veins and lymphatics within the inguinal portion of the spermatic cord have not been previously well described in infertile men. The results of detailed intraoperative macroscopic and microscopic surgical dissections of the spermatic cord and gubernaculum of 83 infertile men with 115 palpable varicoceles are described. Enlarged veins exiting the testis and traversing the gubernaculum were present in 48% of the dissections. Enlarged external spermatic veins were detected in 74% of all spermatic cords. Typically, small internal spermatic veins drained into a large vein more proximally in the spermatic cord. An average of 3.6 lymphatics per spermatic cord was identified and preserved during the dissections. A solitary testicular artery was observed in 69% of the dissections. The testicular artery was adherent to the posterior surface of a large internal spermatic vein in 50% of the dissections and was surrounded by a dense complex of closely adherent veins in 30%. To decrease the incidence of postoperative varicocele recurrences we suggest a surgical approach that addresses all identifiable dilated and connecting veins. These findings suggest that surgical approaches that include intraoperative access to and ligation of low inguinal (external spermatic) and gubernacular veins may cause fewer recurrences, unligated small internal spermatic veins may be a cause of varicocele recurrence, and large internal spermatic veins should be individually identified, dissected and ligated since the testicular artery and lymphatics are often adherent to these veins. Optical magnification is important to facilitate identification of lymphatics, testicular arteries and small internal spermatic veins.     

The role of disorders of mineralocorticoid function of the adrenal glands in the development of infertility in patients with left-side varicocele

A combined study, including phlebography, phlebotonometry, orchidometry, morphometric determination of microcirculatory testicular volume, microscopic and biochemical ejaculate studies, determination of peripheral blood levels of adrenocortical mineral glucocorticoid hormones before and after ACTH administration in the blood, sampled from various veins prior to phlebography, assessment of osmolality, pO2 and pCO2 in the blood samples from spermatic venous plexus, left renal vein and intrarenal portion of the vena cava inferior, and determination of plasma renin activity in renal veins, was conducted in 55 patients with varicocele. A considerable increase in orthostatic blood pressure of the left spermatic venous plexus is demonstrated that may be due to retrograde blood flow in the left testicular venous plexus, resulting in a microcirculatory disturbance and gradual atrophy of a testicle. There was a correlation between the severity of varicocele and left-testicular volume which was absent for total testicular volume, while microcirculatory volumes of the testes differed significantly, suggesting the absence of hemodynamic disorders in the contralateral testicle and, consequently, no spermatogenetic impairment due to hemodynamic changes in cases of a unilateral varicocele. Phlebographic and phlebotonometric evidence points to a retrograde blood flow through the central vein of the left adrenal. The results of adrenal functional studies demonstrate a significant tendency to adrenal hypersynthesis of aldosterone and cortisol in patients with varicocele. A correlation demonstrated between peripheral blood cortisol level and the proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal headpiece structure in the ejaculate has suggested a cause-and-effect relationship between adrenal dysfunction and infertility in patients with varicocele.     

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。     

High resection of the left testicular vein and ligation of the internal iliac artery using a retroperitoneoscope

In 90 youths at the age of from 14 to 16 years suffering from left-sided varicocele, the authors have used a retroperitoneoscope for high ligation and transection of the testicular vein. There were no complications at the time of operation and after it. In control examination 1.5-2 years later, no varicocele recurrences were revealed. In 15 patients with profuse bleeding from carcinomatous tumor of the urinary bladder, the authors performed ligation of the internal iliac arteries by means of a retroperitoneoscope.     

Microvascular testicular blood flow as evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry after the surgical induction of varicocele

This study was conducted to evaluate the changes in microvascular testicular blood flow (microvascular TBF), which may be associated with varicocele. The pathology was developed through partial ligation of left renal vein in 4 groups of rats. Controls of each group underwent sham surgery. It was observed that microvascular TBF dropped and its vasomotion became inhibited once the left renal vein was partially ligated as studied by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Four to five minutes later, blood flow rose to the pretreatment level and that of controls. Vasomotion reappeared with a uniform frequency and amplitude. At different periods of varicocele bearing (1, 3, 6, and 14 weeks) microvascular TBF was reevaluated. Vasomotion appeared intact without any abnormalities in the 4 groups. To examine the response of testicular microvasculature after surgical creation of the varicocele to pharmacological stimulation another group of animals received human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment 6 weeks after varicocele creation. Vasomotion was inhibited in these animals. In conclusion, LDF is a suitable tool to evaluate microvascular TBF in vivo. It can detect acute changes in blood flow that may happen at surgical induction of varicocele. In addition, the vasculature of the testis with a surgically induced varicocele can still respond to hCG stimulation.     

Induction of varicocele in the dog: I. Partial ligation of the left renal vein does not induce a varicocele in the dog

Induction of varicocele was attempted by partial ligation of the left renal vein in 10 male dogs. The effects on sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, as well as on hemodynamics, were assessed. Furthermore, testicular, vascular, and kidney morphology was studied. Changes in the diameter and consistency of the left spermatic cord were found to be temporary. Total sperm count, sperm motility, and the total number of oval forms were not significantly altered. Hemodynamic studies revealed a renocaval pressure gradient, but retrograde flow in the distal part of the left testicular vein could not be observed by arteriography. A collateral network was found to compensate for the restricted left renal vein. Histologic examination revealed no damage to the seminiferous epithelium. Changes were not found in the kidney and left pampiniform plexus. Although some temporary changes induced by the partial ligation of the left renal vein are suggestive of varicocele, this hemodynamic study shows that the presented dog model does not mimic varicocele as encountered in man.     

双侧精索内动静脉结扎术后睾丸体积、精液质量变化的初步观察

目的初步评价双侧精索内动静脉结扎术后睾丸体积及精液质量的变化。方法对34例双侧精索静脉曲张患者中的16例行双侧精索内动静脉结扎术,于术前及术后随访时彩超测量睾丸体积,并行精液常规检查。结果睾丸体积无明显变化(P>0.05);精液量、精子数、精子活率明显提高(P<0.01),精子畸形率明显下降(P<0.01)。结论双侧精索内动静脉结扎术后睾丸无萎缩,精液质量明显改善。     

Varicocele and varicose veins compared. A basis for logical surgery

In the past only large symptomatic varicoceles were treated surgically, but this has changed now that they are believed to be a cause for infertility. Ten patients have been studied using the Doppler flowmeter and phlebography to compare varicoceles and varicose veins in the legs and to decide whether or not the same principles apply in their surgical treatment. These studies have confirmed a similar mechanism of retrograde flow from above a pumping mechanism to below it. Surgery must aim at effective and complete interruption of the source of the downflow. This requires ligation of the testicular vein either at sufficiently high level to insure that it is above any major branches or that these are included in the ligation. There is no danger of causing venous obstruction because a varicocele would not develop without the existence of a massive alternative venous outlet.     

Doppler sonography and phlebography in the detection of hemodynamically different varicocele types

Using the bidirectional doppler sonography to evaluate patients with varicocele two haemodynamically different types of varicoceles, pressure-type and shunt-type, can be determined. By means of retrograde phlebography of the internal spermatic vein (testicular vein) in 44 patients with varicocele the pathophysiologic-anatomic equivalent of these two types could be demonstrated. Shunting veins are the cremasteric vein and deferential vein. The two types of varicoceles have a different effect on male fertility.     

Surgical repair of secondary right varicocele in rats with primary left varicocele: effects on fertility, testicular temperature, spermatogenesis, and sperm maturation.

To evaluate whether or not dilation of the right testicular vein is a constant finding in animals with left varicocele and to illustrate its contribution to the detrimental effect of a left varicocele on the right testis, an experimental varicocele model was produced in 40 rats. Ten other rats had a sham operation (group A). Seven weeks after the operation, all 50 rats underwent laparotomy and dilation of both testicular veins was seen in 23 rats, which were randomly assigned to group B (n = 11) and group C (n = 12). One week later, groups A and C underwent sham ligation of the right testicular vein, whereas group B rats underwent resection of this vein. At 84 days after the initial operation, group C rats showed a significant reduction in right epididymal sperm content, motility, and fertilizing capacity, right testicular weight, and right testicular vs. intraabdominal temperature difference when compared with groups A and B. Since surgical repair of the secondary right varicocele improved all the parameters indicating the harmful consequences of the primary left varicocele on the right testis, it appears that dilation of the right testicular vein contributes to the detrimental effect of a left varicocele on the right testis.     

Importance of lateral inspection of the scrotum and value of intraoperative spermatic phlebography in varicocele

Varicocele appearing on the posterior surface of the scrotum is apt to be overlooked in a routine physical examination. Lateral inspection of the scrotum is important to detect a varicocele of this type. Intraoperative spermatic phlebography on high ligation for varicocele was valuable in confirming the ligation of a single vein or in visualizing the vessel(s) left unligated.     

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.     

Total ligation of the left renal vein in the dog: an inappropriate model for varicocele

Induction of varicocele was attempted by ligation of the left renal vein (LRV) in male dogs (Group I). Before the operation and in the 4-month post-operative period, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology of Group I (n = 8) dogs were compared to sham operated animals (Group II, n = 5). Furthermore, haemodynamics as well as testicular and vascular morphology were studied. In Group I, changes in diameter and consistency of the spermatic cord were temporary. Semen quality was reduced significantly during the second month after ligation of the LRV, but improved thereafter. Haemodynamic studies revealed that LRV blood pressure was increased significantly in Group I dogs. An extensive venous collateral network replaced the occluded LRV. Retrograde blood flow in the left testicular vein (LTV) was observed only in the proximal part of the LTV of Group I dogs. In Group II dogs numerous pairs of sufficient valves prevented reflux into the LTV. Histological examination revealed that spermatogenesis was not impaired and that the left pampiniform plexus had not changed. The number of Leydig cells was decreased slightly in Group I dogs. Sufficient valves in the LTV prevented formation of a permanent varicocele.     

Results and complications of laparoscopic surgery for pediatric varicocele

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of laparoscopic varicocelectomy in children. METHODS: Over a 36-month period, 211 children underwent laparoscopic treatment of varicocele. Their ages ranged between 6 and 17 years; the varicocele was located on the left side in 209 cases (99.1%) and was bilateral in 2 (0.9%). In 195 patients the laparoscopic transperitoneal approach was used and in 16 retroperitoneoscopy was used. Thirty children (14.2%) underwent ligation of the veins alone, and 181 (85.8%) underwent ligation of testicular veins and artery. In 15 (7.1%) cases an additional procedure was applied during the same operation. RESULTS: Average operating time was 30 minutes and hospitalization about 24 hours. At an average follow-up of 26 months, there were 19 (9%) postoperative complications: 14 children had a left hydrocele, 3 children a scrotal emphysema, and 2 an umbilical granuloma. There were 5 recurrences of varicocele in our series: 2 (2 of 30, 6.6%) after the Ivanissevitch procedure, and 3 (3 of 181, 1.6%) after Palomo's. Testicular atrophy did not occur in any patient of this series. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience shows that the results of the laparoscopic approach are comparable to those of the open approach. The ligation of testicular veins and artery is preferable to the ligation of the testicular veins alone. Hydrocele seems to be the most frequent postoperative complication and a potential problem, especially in children operated on with the Palomo procedure.