Laparoscopic ligation of testicular veins for varicocele in children. A report of 180 cases.

BACKGROUND

The technique of the laparoscopic treatment of varicocele in children is described, and its outcome is discussed.

METHODS

A total of 180 patients from 6 to 14 years of age were studied. All of them had left-sided varicocele; 10 of them were recurrences after treatment by other methods. Varicocele was diagnosed on physical examination and confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography. The laparoscopic procedure included obligatory dissection and preservation of the spermatic artery and tinted lymphatic vessels, followed by double ligation of the spermatic veins.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications and only one case of recurrence (0.6%).

CONCLUSION

The suggested technique for laparoscopic varix ligation is a highly effective and reliable method for the treatment of pediatric varicocele. It provides the minimal invasiveness of the approach, effective microsurgical quality of visualization, and dissection with guaranteed preservation of the spermatic artery and lymphatic vessels, along with very low rates of complication and recurrence.