INGUINAL MICROSURGICAL VARICOCELECTOMY IN THE ADOLESCENT - TECHNIQUE AND PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

Purpose: In large series of adults microsurgical varicocelectomy has b een associated with extremely high success rates, combined with minima l incidence of postoperative hydrocele. We report our initial experien ce of inguinal varicocelectomy using an intraoperative microscope in a dolescents. Materials and Methods: From 1994 to 1996, 32 adolescents ( mean age 15.3 years) underwent inguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy. An operative microscope and Doppler probe were used during spermatic cord dissection to identify and preserve the testicular artery and lym phatics. Results: All patients were available for followup, which rang ed from 2 to 35 months (mean 20). There were no intraoperative complic ations. A temporary reactive hydrocele, which subsequently completely resolved, was observed in 1 patient. There were no palpable recurrent varicoceles. Conclusions: The operative microscope permits reliable id entification of the testicular artery and lymphatics, as well as venou s channels in adolescents. As a result, the postoperative development of hydrocele or recurrence of the varicocele may be prevented.