Effects of bioflavonoids in the management of subclinical varicocele.
BACKGROUND
Subclinical varicocele is a relative rare condition. The aim of this study is to identify the role of bioflavonoids in the management of subclinical varicocele.


METHODS
We analyzed the medical charts of patients treated for subclinical varicocele with bioflavonoids between 1999 and 2004; inclusion criteria were created before treatment. Short and long-term results after treatment were studied and compared with untreated patients.


RESULTS
One hundred and sixty-eight patients with left subclinical varicocele were included in the study. Long-term results showed a possible correlation between use of bioflavonoids and lesser rate of clinical progression to palpable varicocele (11 vs. 31%), higher rate of stable vein reflux (47 vs. 38%) and higher resolution rate (41 vs. 31%) (p > 0.05). Bioflavonoids did not show any protective factor against testicular growth arrest.


CONCLUSIONS
Subclinical varicocele should be considered as the starting point of varicocele, and although the use of bioflavonoids in patients with subclinical varicocele could reduce the development of palpable varicocele, it cannot prevent the onset of testicular growth arrest.
Zampieri
Nicola
N
Pediatric Surgical Unit, Department of Anesthetic and Surgical Sciences, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B.Rossi, piazzale L.A.Scuro n.1, 37134, Verona, Italy. dr.zampieri@libero.it
Pellegrino
Maristella
M
Ottolenghi
Alberto
A
Camoglio
Francesco Saverio
FS
D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D018450:Disease Progression; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014646:Varicocele / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*
D005419:Flavonoids