title: [A decade of laparoscopic varicocelectomy: costs and learning stages].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present the results of a retrospective study on laparoscopic varicocelectomy, with special reference to the changes in the operating time observed throughout the training period.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have reviewed the laparoscopic varicocelectomy procedures performed from 1987 to 1997. The operating times were graphically represented and compared, and the modifications and complications observed over the ten-year period were analyzed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The operating times decreased as the number of procedures increased and its duration further decreased as the interval between operations became shorter. In our case, the average operating time after the training period has been completed is 44 minutes. The cost of laparoscopic varicocelectomy and laparoscopic surgery in general is comparable to that of open surgery if nondisposable material is utilized.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, España.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jiménez Garrido
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: García de la Torre
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sánchez de Badajoz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000379:methods*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000601:surgery*
vernacular_title: Una década en la varicocelectomía laparoscópica: costes y fases de aprendizaje.