The adolescent varicocele: treatment and outcome.
At present, it is reasonable to counsel all patients, as well as family members of patients, who have a palpable varicocele about the long-term risks for impaired fertility. Currently, no one can predict with absolute certainty if any adolescent with a varicocele will be at risk for future infertility. Based on existing data, however, it is not reasonable simply to ignore the potential for such a problem until infertility becomes an issue because by that time the chance for reversibility may be lost. It is important to present a balanced discussion because the majority of men with a varicocele will be fertile, and no one is suggesting that all men with a varicocele undergo surgical treatment. Current recommendations for repair are based on the findings of impaired testicular growth and/or spermatogenesis. With early evaluation and selective treatment, however, we should be able to reduce the potential for future fertility problems significantly in adolescents with a varicocele.
Kass
Evan J
EJ
Division of Pediatric Urology, William Beaumont Hospital, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA. evanjkass@yahoo.com
D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013094:Spermatozoa; D013737:Testis / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000254:growth & development; D014646:Varicocele / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*
D006062:Gonadotropins