title: The varicocele.
abstract: Varicoceles are an abnormal dilation of the pampiniform plexus of veins within the scrotum. Varicoceles are highly prevalent and can result in a myriad of deleterious effects on male reproduction. Numerous therapeutic options are available for correcting varicoceles, including surgical varicocelectomy and radiographic venous embolization. Varicocele correction is a more cost-effective therapeutic modality than both intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) for affected couples. In summary, varicoceles contribute significantly to male reproductive pathology, and varicocele correction is an important option for both clinicians and patients to consider in this era of assisted reproductive techniques.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3rd Floor, West Pavilion, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Puneet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Masson
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Brannigan
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010690:Phlebography; D014646:Varicocele / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Infertility; Microsurgery; Pampiniform plexus; Sperm; Testicle; Varicocele; Varicocelectomy