Laparoscopic varicocelectomy in pediatric patients

Ultrasound diagnosis of varicocele in the adolescent: Our experience from Benin

“…[1] However, ultrasound is helpful in improving clinical data and obtains accurate measurement of testicular size. Kacimi et al [14] had systematically done both in their patients, whereas Wong et al [15] used no imaging. In this current study, all cases of varicocele were confirmed by ultrasound, which has more over revealed subclinical cases in some schoolboys.…”

Varicocele: Current controversies in treatment

“…Coincidentally, in the same year, I reviewed in a urology journal the success rates of laparoscopic varicocelectomy citing results from six series then available. 2 Four series reported 100% success, whilst the success rates of the remainder were 97.1% and 99%. Of note also is the fact that urological publications in the ensuring years have, again, amply attested to the high success rate (95-100%) of the laparoscopic approach.…”

“…2 No wonder then that the reported success rate in most series consisting mainly of paediatric patients and utilising the artery-sparing technique fell far short of the aforementioned 95-100% success rate for adults. 2,6,7 We advocated, therefore, the simpler technique -mass ligation and division of the internal spermatic vascular pedicle -for young adolescents. 2 Our preliminary results did show improvement to 100% success, which is maintained for the 84 varicocelectomies amassed to date.…”

“…In the same comparison table, the failure rate for laparoscopic varicocelectomy was depicted as ?5–15%. Coincidentally, in the same year, I reviewed in a urology journal the success rates of laparoscopic varicocelectomy citing results from six series then available 2 . Four series reported 100% success, whilst the success rates of the remainder were 97.1% and 99%.…”

“…In young adolescents it would be more difficult to isolate and preserve the diminutive lymphatics and internal spermatic artery entwined in small, frequently adherent venous collaterals, all of which have to be interrupted if recurrence is to be prevented 2 . No wonder then that the reported success rate in most series consisting mainly of paediatric patients and utilising the artery‐sparing technique fell far short of the aforementioned 95–100% success rate for adults 2,6 , 7 . We advocated, therefore, the simpler technique – mass ligation and division of the internal spermatic vascular pedicle – for young adolescents 2 .…”