title: Evaluation of the role of varicocelectomy including external spermatic vein ligation in patients with scrotal pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to assess and compare pre- and postoperative scrotal pain in patients with varicocele who underwent varicocelectomy with different approaches.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 144 consecutive patients with left-sided varicocele who had left scrotal pain for more than 3 months. All patients underwent varicocele ligation using either a subinguinal or inguinal approach with or without external spermatic vein ligation. We asked the patients to complete an 'Assessment Questionnaire for Scrotal Pain' both before and after the surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The surgery was successful in 101 (83.4%) of the 121 patients available for follow up. Seventy-four (61.1%) patients reported the complete resolution of pain while 27 patients (22.3%) reported partial resolution. Symptoms worsened in a single case and pain persisted postoperatively in 19 cases (15.7%). There were no statistically significant differences in the characteristics of the pain and grade of varicocele between postoperative groups. A significant difference was observed in postoperative success between patients who had external spermatic vein ligation and those who did not, regardless of the surgical approach (inguinal or subinguinal). All patients who reported complete or partial resolution of pain stated that they would recommend surgery to relatives with the same problem.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Varicocelectomy using either inguinal or subinguinal approaches is an effective and reasonable treatment option in this patient group and should include external spermatic vein ligation for a satisfactory outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Haydarpaşa Training Hospital, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Usküdar, Istanbul, Turkey. kkarademir@isbank.net.tr
authors.forename: Kenan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Karademir
authors.forename: Temuçin
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Senkul
authors.forename: Kadir
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Baykal
authors.forename: Ferhat
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ateş
authors.forename: Cüneyd
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Işeri
authors.forename: Doğan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Erden
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013085:Spermatic Cord / Q000098:blood supply*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000601:surgery*; D014680:Veins / Q000601:surgery