Varicocele and its surgical management.

A discussion of the present role of varicocele in the management of the subfertile couple is presented, with emphasis on detection techniques and the increasing awareness of the presence of bilateral varicocele. The indications and techniques of surgical management are discussed, with particular emphasis on the use of the operating microscope to dissect the spermatic cord at the level of the external inguinal ring under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis with significant cost savings to the patient.