title: [Anatomical variability of the left spermatic vein and establishment of the experimental left varicocele model in adolescent rats].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the anatomical variability of the left spermatic vein (LSV) and determine its effect on the induction of experimental left varicocele (ELV) in adolescent rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  We equally randomized 30 adolescent male SD rats to groups A (LSV collaterals fully ligated and the left renal vein constricted), B (only the left renal vein constricted), and C (sham operation), observed the courses of the LSVs and measured their diameters. At 30 days after operation, we analyzed the changes in the left kidneys and the diameters of the LSVs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Irregular collaterals were observed in 90% of the LSVs and no abnormal changes were found in the left kidneys after surgery. The postoperative LSV diameter was remarkably increased in group A as compared with the baseline ([1.47 +/- 0.15 ] vs [0.16 +/- 0.08] mm, P < 0.01), but showed no significant difference in group B ([0.31 +/- 0.49] vs [0.15 +/- 0.07] mm, P > 0.05) and C ([0.17 +/- 0.07] vs [0.16 +/- 0.06] mm, P > 0.05), and it was significantly longer in A than in B (P < 0.01). The success rate of ELV induction was 100% in group A and 10% in group B, but no varicocele was observed in group C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Correct identification of the anatomical course of the LSV and ligation of its irregular collaterals are essential for the establishment of a stable and consistent ELV model.
authors.forename: Bing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Da-Yu
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Chun-Hua
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ouyang
authors.forename: Xiang-Zhou
authors.initials: XZ
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Sheng-Fu
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Qi-Yun
authors.initials: QY
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013085:Spermatic Cord / Q000098:blood supply*; D014646:Varicocele; D014680:Veins / Q000002:abnormalities*