Results of microsurgical varicocelectomy in the adolescent

Abstract

(Purpose) Microsurgical varicocelectomy procedures are known to have high rates of success and minimal incidence of postoperative hydrocele occurrences in adults. Herein, we report our initial experience with microsurgical inguinal and subinguinal techniques for the treatment of varicoceles in adolescent patients. (Patients and methods) A total of 9 boys (averaged age 12.7 years each younger than 15 at the time of the operation) with a left varicocele underwent microsurgical inguinal or subinguinal repair, and were included in this study. (Results) The microsurgical varicocelectomy procedures including meticulous dissection required a mean 170.4 ± 45.6 minutes (range, 105-240 minutes) and the testicular arteries were preserved in all patients. Catch-up growth was seen in one of two patients whose testicular volumes were determined by ultrasonography both pre and post operatively. None of the patients has developed a recurrent varicocele or postoperative hydrocele after a mean follow-up of 24.6 months. (Conclusion) As with adults, microsurgical subinguinal and inguinal varicocelectomy procedures are safe and effective, and can be considered one of feasible treatment for varicoceles in adolescents.