Varicocele: Laparoscopic clipping and color Doppler follow-up

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic treatment of varicocele and findings of testicular volume and blood supply using color Doppler ultrasound scan on follow-up. Methods: Fourteen patients aged 7 to 15 years old (median, 12.3 years) with left varicocele (grade II, n = 4; grade III, n = 10) underwent laparoscopi c clipping of internal testicular vein and artery. At follow-up, both teste s were scanned by ultrasonography in axial and longitudinal planes, and at least 3 measurements-length, width, and thickness-were taken to calculate t esticular volumes. Arterial perfusion of the testes also was assessed. Results: Operating time ranged from 25 to 80 minutes (mean, 60 minutes). Th ere was no perioperative complication. At a mean follow-up of 14 months (ra nge, 2 to 39 months) all children were asymptomatic with disappearance of v aricocele. The volumes of bilateral testes were equal (difference in volume s less than 10%) in 9 children. Ipsilateral testicular hypertrophy was foun d in 3 children. There was no difference in arterial perfusion between the testes in each patient. Small transient Ipsilateral hydrocele was observed in 2 patients. Conclusion: Laparoscopic clipping of testicular vein and artery was simple and effective for varicocele treatment and did not compromise testicular bl ood supply. J Pediatr Surg 36:1704-1707. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunder s Company.