Laparoscopic varicocelectomy: indication, technique and surgical results.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of laparoscopic techniques for the operative therapy of varicocele.


METHODS
Fifty-one patients who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy due to subfertility and/or pain between June 1992 and December 1994 were evaluated.


RESULTS
In all patients, except one with a remaining slight reflux on post-operative Valsalva's manoeuvre, operative therapy was effective and no major complications occurred. The procedure was minimally invasive, effective and, because the anatomy was readily seen, multiple veins and/or collaterals were easily assessed and the surgery precise.


CONCLUSIONS
The laparoscopic technique is an efficient, minimally invasive operation with optimal results. After a brief period of training the operation can be performed in 15-30 min and is therefore no longer than embolization techniques. Treatment of both sides in one session was not a problem.
Urologic University Clinic of Bonn, Germany.
W D
WD
Miersch
G
G
Schoeneich
P
P
Winter
H
H
Buszello
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014646:Varicocele / Q000601:surgery*