[Laparoscopic treatment of varicocele].
OBJECTIVE
Current trends in the treatment of varicocele are focused on outpatient procedures of high and complete ligature of the spermatic vascular pedicle or percutaneous embolization. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy competes with them and other minimally invasive techniques such as chemical or thermal sclerosing therapy of the spermatic veins.


METHODS
We perform a bibliographic review of the Spanish and Anglo-Saxon literature with the aim of evaluating the real weight of the laparoscopic technique, and at the same time show our personal experience.


RESULTS
We found 8 papers in Spanish and 187 in English. Although the interest for laparoscopic varicocelectomy among Spanish urologists is very low, in other countries there is moderate interest for it, being in competition, though in disadvantage, with other outpatient minimally invasive techniques performed under local or regional anesthesia.


CONCLUSIONS
Microlaparoscopy improves the overall position of this technique, mainly in cases of bilateral varicocele whenever an "en bloc" ligature of the spermatic artery and vein is performed.
Valdivia Uría
José Gabriel
JG
Servicio de Urología, Hospital Clinico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, España. uroh@hcu-lblesa.es
Sánchez Zalabardo
Manuel
M
Ramírez Fabián
Manuel
M
Regojo Zapata
Oscar
O
Elizalde Benito
Angel
A
Navarro Gil
Joaquín
J
Hijazo Conejos
Ignacio
I
D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D014646:Varicocele / Q000601:surgery*