title: Laparoscopic varicocele ligation.
abstract: A laparoscopic varicocele ligation was performed in 49 men with a clinically proven varicocele. Patients were treated predominantly on a day case or overnight basis with minimal post-operative morbidity. Identification of the testicular artery was aided by a laparoscopic Doppler probe in the majority of patients and preserved in 39 cases. The varicocele persisted in 7 patients, 4 of whom have subsequently had an inguinal exploration confirming a missed testicular vein as the source. In all 7 patients the artery was identified without the use of the Doppler probe, this being suggestive of misidentification of the vessels at laparoscopy. The complications included 4 wound infections, 1 scrotal haematoma and 1 vasal injury which necessitated an open vasovasostomy. Laparoscopic varicocele ligation is a simple and safe technique, causing minimal morbidity and enabling a rapid return to normal activity. The success rate can be improved by accurate identification of the testicular vessels with the use of a laparoscopic Doppler probe.
authors.affiliation: St Peter's Hospitals, London.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ralph
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Timoney
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Pryor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013737:Testis / Q000098:blood supply; D014646:Varicocele / Q000601:surgery*; D014680:Veins / Q000601:surgery