Treatment of varicocele with Fu's subcutaneous needling

Abstract

Rationale:Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) is an innovative therapy of traditional acupuncture. FSN has been widely applied for the treatment of pain symptoms by relieving local muscle tension and promoting local blood circulation. Varicocele (VCL) is a disease that commonly occurs in male adolescents. Patients with VCL can suffer from pain in the scrotum, inguinal area, or unilateral testis, which could be an indication for FSN. In this study, we present a unique case, in which a 30-year-old male patient with VCL benefitted from FSN.Patient concerns:A 30-year-old male complained of dull pain and swelling in the testicular area for 4 months. No significant abnormalities were identified in his genitalia by physical examination.Diagnoses:The patient was diagnosed with VCL, with his symptoms and signs of dull pain and swelling in the testicular area, and ultrasound also demonstrated the left-side VCL.Interventions:FSN was performed successfully twice a week on a different day without postoperative complications. The total course lasted 8 weeks.Outcomes:The patient experienced obvious relief of his testicular pain and swelling after each treatment course. All his symptoms resolved and disappeared after 4 treatment courses. After the 8-week treatment course, the color ultrasound after treatment demonstrated improved anastomotic blood flow rates in his left spermatic vein. No narrow or thrombotic parts were observed post-treatment compared to the color ultrasound before treatment. The patient was followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. During the follow-up period, his previous symptoms disappeared without recurrence.Lessons:FSN significantly improved the patent's symptoms of testicular pain and abnormal dilatation and tortuosity of the spermatic veins. FSN might exert its therapeutic effect by improving the relaxation of muscle oppression and increasing the local blood reperfusion to resume blood stream. Due to the limitation of a single clinical observation case, a randomized clinical trial with a sufficient follow-up time is needed.

Jiawei Runjing Decoction Improves Spermatogenesis of Cryptozoospermia With Varicocele by Regulating the Testicular Microenvironment: Two-Center Prospective Cohort Study

“…According to TCM, varicocele belongs to Qi-stagnation and Blood-stasis syndrome. Some patients are complicated with dampness and heat injection ( Dun et al, 2015 ; Yu et al, 2019 ; Jiang et al, 2021 ). At the same time, TCM also believes that low spermatogenesis is rooted in the Shen (kidney).…”

Treatment of postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia with Fu’s subcutaneous needling therapy resulted in prompt complete relief: Two case reports

“…[7] FSN therapy has a reliable effect in reducing pain, especially musculoskeletal problems. [8][9][10][11][12] However, so far, there is no report of FSN for TN. In this case report, we presented 2 cases of TN patients who have persist pain after the surgery of MVD.…”

The efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility: A literature review

“…Based on the results, its possible mechanisms were similarly mediated as a reflex response by the testicular sympathetic nerves controlled by supraspinal pathways. Yu et al (86) reported a male adolescent patient with varicocele who was treated with an innovative acupuncture therapy, Fu subcutaneous acupuncture (FSN), and found that the patient's testicular pain, abnormal dilatation, and tortuosity of the spermatic veins were significantly relieved, which might be through the mechanisms of improving relaxation of muscle compression and increasing local blood reperfusion to restore blood flow. Needle pricking therapy stimulates the sympathetic trunk and regulates the function of the gonadal axis and abdominal arteries and veins, which can significantly reduce the blood flow viscosity of varicocele-induced infertility, thereby increasing the testicular blood flow perfusion and oxygen supply and promoting blood circulation to eliminate varicocele (78, 87).…”