Evaluation of Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy in Adult Men

Abstract BackgroundVaricocele is an abnormal dilatation and tortuosity of the testicular veins. Blocking the reflux in the internal spermatic vein is the cornerstone treatment for varicocele. Other treatment options include inguinal, sub inguinal, retroperitoneal, scrotal, and laparoscopic approaches. Laparoscopic varicocele ligation results in lower morbidity, lower analgesic requirements, and more rapid rates of return to work as compared to the standard open surgical approach.AimTo evaluate the laparoscopic varicocelectomy (at 3 and 6 months postoperatively) as regards the intraoperative, postoperative laboratory, and radiological data.MethodsThis prospective study included 40 patients who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy procedure from March to November 2018.ResultsThe study was conducted on 40 patients aged 17–36 years who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy. Clinically, only four patients were detected to be bilateral, although radiological assessment revealed 22 patients had bilateral affection. Clinically, the mean grade is 2.15 ± 0.67 for the left side and 0.35 ± 0.74 for the right side, which improved to 0.35 ± 0.57 on the former and 0.1 ± 0.44 on the latter at 6 months postoperatively. Based on ultrasound findings, 11 patients had bilateral affection. The mean grade is 2.25 ± 0.64 for the left side and 0.75 ± 0.78 for the right side, which improved to 0.35 ± 0.67 on the former and 0.35 ± 0.49 on the latter at 6 months postoperatively. In the semen analysis, the sperm count, motility, and abnormal forms significantly improved. The mean operative time and hospital stay were 26.15 + 5.03 min and 1.15 ± 0.36 day, respectively.ConclusionLaparoscopic varicocelectomy is an effective treatment for varicocele. Significant symptom, sperm count, motility, and abnormal form improvements were observed during the postoperative follow-up. Therefore, laparoscopic varicocelectomy is recommended as more beneficial for patients.