Varicocele: Laparoscopic clipping and color Doppler follow-up.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic treatment of varicocele and findings of testicular volume and blood supply using color Doppler ultrasound scan on follow-up.

METHODS

Fourteen patients aged 7 to 15 years old (median, 12.3 years) with left varicocele (grade II, n = 4; grade III, n = 10) underwent laparoscopic clipping of internal testicular vein and artery. At follow-up, both testes were scanned by ultrasonography in axial and longitudinal planes, and at least 3 measurements-length, width, and thickness-were taken to calculate testicular volumes. Arterial perfusion of the testes also was assessed.

RESULTS

Operating time ranged from 25 to 80 minutes (mean, 60 minutes). There was no perioperative complication. At a mean follow-up of 14 months (range, 2 to 39 months) all children were asymptomatic with disappearance of varicocele. The volumes of bilateral testes were equal (difference in volumes less than 10%) in 9 children. Ipsilateral testicular hypertrophy was found in 3 children. There was no difference in arterial perfusion between the testes in each patient. Small transient ipsilateral hydrocele was observed in 2 patients.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic clipping of testicular vein and artery was simple and effective for varicocele treatment and did not compromise testicular blood supply.