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CIRSE Standards of Practice on Varicocele Embolisation. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2023; 46:19-34. [PMID: 36380154 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-022-03293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Percutaneous embolisation is an effective, minimally invasive means of treating a variety of benign and malignant lesions and has been successfully used to treat varicoceles since the late 1970s, with refined and expanded techniques and tools currently offering excellent outcomes for varicocele embolisation. PURPOSE This document will presume that the indication for treatment is clear and approved by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and will define the standards required for the performance of each modality, as well as their advantages and limitations. CIRSE Standards of Practice documents are not intended to impose a standard of clinical patient care, but recommend a reasonable approach to, and best practices for, the performance of percutaneous varicocele embolisation. METHODS The writing group was established by the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee and consisted of five clinicians with internationally recognised expertise in embolisation of male varicoceles. The writing group reviewed the existing literature on varicocele embolisation, performing a pragmatic evidence search using PubMed to search for publications in English and relating to human subjects published from 2006 to 2021. The final recommendations were formulated through consensus. CONCLUSION Embolisation has an established role in the successful management of male varicoceles. This Standards of Practice document provides up-to-date recommendations for the safe performance of varicocele embolisation.
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Agarwal A, Finelli R, Durairajanayagam D, Leisegang K, Henkel R, Salvio G, Aghamajidi A, Sengupta P, Crisóstomo L, Tsioulou PA, Roychoudhury S, Finocchi F, Darbandi M, Mottola F, Darbandi S, Iovine C, Santonastaso M, Zaker H, Kesari KK, Nomanzadeh A, Gugnani N, Rambhatla A, Duran MB, Ceyhan E, Kandil H, Arafa M, Saleh R, Shah R, Boitrelle F. Comprehensive Analysis of Global Research on Human Varicocele: A Scientometric Approach. World J Mens Health 2022; 40:636-652. [PMID: 35118839 PMCID: PMC9482861 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study provides a comprehensive analysis of research trends on the etiology, mechanisms, potential risk factors, diagnosis, prognosis, surgical and non-surgical treatment of varicocele, and clinical outcomes before and after varicocele repair. Materials and Methods Varicocele studies published between 1988 and 2020 were retrieved from the Scopus database on April 5, 2021. Original studies on human varicocele were included, irrespective of language. Retrieved articles were manually screened for inclusion in various sub-categories. Bibliometric data was subjected to scientometric analysis using descriptive statistics. Network, heat and geographic mapping were generated using relevant software. Results In total, 1,943 original human studies on varicocele were published. These were predominantly from the northern hemisphere and developed countries, and published in journals from the United States and Germany. Network map analysis for countries showed several interconnected nodal points, with the USA being the largest, and Agarwal A. from Cleveland Clinic, USA, being a center point of worldwide varicocele research collaborations. Studies of adolescents were underrepresented compared with studies of adults. Studies on diagnostic and prognostic aspects of varicocele were more numerous than studies on varicocele prevalence, mechanistic studies and studies focusing on etiological and risk factors. Varicocele surgery was more investigated than non-surgical approaches. To evaluate the impact of varicocele and its treatment, researchers mainly analyzed basic semen parameters, although markers of seminal oxidative stress are being increasingly investigated in the last decade, while reproductive outcomes such as live birth rate were under-reported in the literature. Conclusions This study analyzes the publication trends in original research on human varicocele spanning over the last three decades. Our analysis emphasizes areas for further exploration to better understand varicocele’s impact on men’s health and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- Department of Physiology, School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,LogixX Pharma Ltd., Theale, Berkshire, UK.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Azin Aghamajidi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Luís Crisóstomo
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Petroula A Tsioulou
- Department of Physiology, Group of Physiology of Reproduction and Clinical Embryology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Federica Finocchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Filomena Mottola
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Concetta Iovine
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy.,Gamma Analisi Cliniche S.r.l, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marianna Santonastaso
- Department of Women, Children and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Himasadat Zaker
- Histology and Mcroscopic Analysis Division, RASTA Specialized Research Institute (RSRI), West Azerbaijan Science and Technology Park (WASTP), Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Amir Nomanzadeh
- Histology and Mcroscopic Analysis Division, RASTA Specialized Research Institute (RSRI), West Azerbaijan Science and Technology Park (WASTP), Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mesut Berkan Duran
- Department of Urology, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Erman Ceyhan
- Deparment of Urology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Mohamed Arafa
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Andrology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.,Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hopsital, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Rupin Shah
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France.,Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Soares-Aquino C, Vasconcelos-Castro S, Campos JM, Soares-Oliveira M. 15-Year varicocelectomy outcomes in pediatric age: Beware of genitofemoral nerve injury. J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:537.e1-537.e5. [PMID: 34099399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocele affects 15% of adolescents. The main postoperative complications are recurrence and hydrocele; nerve injury is rarely reported. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are: to assess the complications after laparoscopic varicocelectomy, namely nerve injury; and to assess if nerve injury is more frequent using "hot" or "cold" ligation. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study of varicocele cases submitted to laparoscopic correction in our department from April 2006 to March 2020. Parameters analyzed were: age, clinical findings, surgical indication, operative technique, and outcomes. Comparison was done between the "cold" versus "hot" vessel section technique. RESULTS 110 patients, with median age 14-years-old, were included. Most cases were on the left side and grade 3. Fifty patients (45%) presented complications: 21% recurrence; 18% hydrocele; and 3% genitofemoral nerve injury. Nerve injury was independent of the technique used. DISCUSSION Genitofemoral nerve injury is a complication with unknown cause and all cases are related to laparoscopic technique. It was suggested that "hot" methods of ligation of the vessels can lead to higher incidence of the lesion, but that was not corroborated in our analysis. Possible explanations for its occurrence are: a wide peritoneal window opening created with electrocautery near the internal inguinal ring; and additional dissection required to isolate the testicular veins from the artery. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the real incidence of genitofemoral nerve injury and its causes. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic varicocelectomy seems to be safe and effective, although complications remain frequent regardless of the technique used. Genitofemoral nerve injury is a complication rarely described that may require rehabilitation, and so awareness for this problem is of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Soares-Aquino
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Vasconcelos-Castro
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal
| | - José Miguel Campos
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Miguel Soares-Oliveira
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal
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Sansone A, Fegatelli DA, Pozza C, Fattorini G, Lauretta R, Minnetti M, Romanelli F, Lucatelli P, Corona M, Bezzi M, Lombardo F, Lenzi A, Gianfrilli D. Effects of percutaneous varicocele repair on testicular volume: results from a 12-month follow-up. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:408-412. [PMID: 30604693 PMCID: PMC6628742 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_102_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a common finding in men. Varicocele correction has been advocated for young patients with testicular hypotrophy, but there is a lack of morphofunctional follow-up data. We assessed whether percutaneous treatment of left varicocele is associated with testicular "catch-up growth" in the following 12 months by retrospectively reviewing data from an electronic database of 10 656 patients followed up in our clinic between 2006 and 2016. We selected all young adults (<35 years) with left varicocele who underwent percutaneous treatment, had a minimum of 12 months' ultrasound imaging follow-up, and had no other conditions affecting testicular volume. One hundred and fourteen men (mean±standard deviation [s.d.] of age: 22.8 ± 5.4 years) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Left testicular hypotrophy (LTH), defined as a ≥20% difference between left and right testicular volume at baseline, was observed in 26 (22.8%) men. Participants with LTH (mean±s.d.: 14.5 ± 2.7 ml) had lower baseline testicular volume compared to those without LTH (mean±s.d.: 15.7 ± 3.8 ml; P = 0.032). Repeated measures mixed models showed a significant interaction between LTH and time posttreatment when correcting for baseline left testicular volume (β = 0.114, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.018-0.210, P = 0.020), resulting in a catch-up growth of up to 1.37 ml per year (95% CI: 0.221-2.516). Age at intervention was also associated with reduced testicular volume (-0.072 ml per year, 95% CI: -0.135--0.009; P = 0.024). Percutaneous treatment of left varicocele in young adults with LTH can result in catch-up growth over 1 year of follow-up. The reproductive and psychological implications of these findings need to be confirmed in longer and larger prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sansone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Danilo Alunni Fegatelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Giorgio Fattorini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Rosa Lauretta
- Unit of Endocrinology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Marianna Minnetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Romanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Pierleone Lucatelli
- Vascular and Interventional Radiology Unit, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza - University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Mario Corona
- Vascular and Interventional Radiology Unit, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza - University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Mario Bezzi
- Vascular and Interventional Radiology Unit, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza - University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
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Zavattaro M, Ceruti C, Motta G, Allasia S, Marinelli L, Di Bisceglie C, Tagliabue MP, Sibona M, Rolle L, Lanfranco F. Treating varicocele in 2018: current knowledge and treatment options. J Endocrinol Invest 2018; 41:1365-1375. [PMID: 30284221 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0952-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Varicocele is defined as a state of varicosity and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus around the testis caused by retrograde blood flow through the internal spermatic vein. The prevalence of clinically relevant varicocele ranges from 5 to 20% in the male population and is often associated with infertility and reduction of sperm quality. In this review, the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of varicocele are reviewed along with therapeutic options and treatment effects on sperm parameters and fertility both in adult and in pediatric/adolescent subjects. METHODS We conducted a Medline and a PubMed search from 1965 to 2018 to identify publications related to varicocele clinical aspects, treatment procedures and treatment outcomes. Keywords used for the search were: "varicocele", "varicocelectomy", "sclerotherapy", "male infertility", "subfertility", and "semen abnormalities". RESULTS Data from a large number of studies in adolescent and adult males indicate that varicocele correction improves semen parameters in the majority of patients, reducing oxidative stress and improving sperm nuclear DNA integrity either with surgical or percutaneous approach. CONCLUSIONS Varicocele repair seems to represent a cost-effective therapeutic option for all males (both adolescent and adults) with a clinical varicocele in the presence of testicular hypotrophy, worsening sperm alterations or infertility. On the other hand, some investigators questioned the role of varicocelectomy in the era of assisted reproduction. Thus, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of varicocele-associated male subfertility is of paramount importance to elucidating the deleterious effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis and possibly formulating new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zavattaro
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - C Ceruti
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - S Allasia
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - L Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - C Di Bisceglie
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M P Tagliabue
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M Sibona
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Rolle
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Lanfranco
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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Hung JWS, Yam FSD, Chung KLY, Lau AKW, Leung YCL, Liu CCW, Tang PMY, Chao NSY, Leung MWY, Liu KKW. Comparison of scrotal antegrade sclerotherapy and laparoscopic Palomo surgery in treatment of adolescent varicocele: A 15-year review. J Pediatr Urol 2018; 14:534.e1-534.e5. [PMID: 29941347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2018.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE Varicocele is a common condition seen in adolescence and associated with adult subfertility. Numerous types of intervention have been described with differences in success and complication rates. This study aims to review and compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic Palomo surgery and scrotal antegrade sclerotherapy at our center. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective analysis was done of all patients younger than 18 years old with idiopathic varicocele treated operatively between February 2001 and December 2016. Demographics such as age at operation, side, varicocele grade, operative date, and types of operation were collected. Primary outcomes were clinical recurrence, defined as any grading noted on follow-up within 1 year post-op and post-operative hydrocele. Secondary outcomes were operative time, length of stay, and other surgical complications. Mann-Whitney U test, independent t test and chi-square tests were used for analysis. All p-values were two-sided and considered statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS A total of 119 patients fit the criteria, of whom 117 patients were included in data analysis (Table). Sixty-two patients had laparoscopic Palomo surgery (LPS) and 55 had scrotal antegrade sclerotherapy (SAS). Clinical recurrence (grade 2-3) within 1 year was similar between the two groups, with four out of 48 patients in the SAS group and six out of 62 patients in the LPS group (8.4% in SAS vs. 9.7% in LPS, p = 1.00). Of the 11 patients who had recurrence in the SAS group, seven had grade 1 recurrence (14.5%), two (4.2%) had grade 2 recurrence, and two (4.2%) had grade 3 recurrence. For the LPS group, 17 out of 62 patients had clinical recurrence within 1 year, of whom 11 (17.7%) had grade 1 recurrence, one (1.6%) had grade 2, and five (8.1%) had grade 3 recurrence. Post-operative hydrocele was significantly higher in the LPS group; there was none in the SAS group but 11 patients in the LPS group (0% in SAS vs. 17.7%, p = 0.002). Three patients had clinically significant hydrocele requiring Jaboulays' procedure. Complications other than hydrocele were noted in three patients in the SAS group and one patient in the LPS group (5.5% in SAS vs. 1.6% in LPS, p = 0.158). None required operative intervention. No conversion to open procedure was seen in the LPS group and there were no perioperative complications. Mean operative time was 62.9 min in the SAS group and 60.7 min in the LPS group (p = 0.624). Mean length of stay was 17.5 h in the SAS group and 31.7 h in the LPS group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Both SAS and LPS are safe procedures for treatment of adolescent varicocele with similar clinical recurrence rate within 1 year. SAS has a significantly lower rate of post-operative hydrocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy W S Hung
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Felix S D Yam
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth L Y Chung
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ambrose K W Lau
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yvonne C L Leung
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Clarence C W Liu
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Paula M Y Tang
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Nicholas S Y Chao
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Michael W Y Leung
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Kelvin K W Liu
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong; United Christian Hospital, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Verhovsky G, Neheman A, Rappaport YH, Kedem R, Hofman A, Zisman A, Haifler M. Varicocele Management Strategies and Resulting Paternity Rates in a Cohort of Young Adults. Urology 2018; 117:78-81. [PMID: 29729366 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the paternity rate in a large cohort of asymptomatic adult varicocele patients undergoing nonsurgical management and surgery. METHODS The study population included 1845 men with varicocele and 9286 healthy controls. All data were retrospectively obtained from the Israeli Defense Forces medical database. Patients were divided according to the management strategy: 1758 (95.2%) were followed up nonsurgically, 63 (3.4%) had preventive surgery (patients without known infertility), and 24 (1.4%) had secondary surgery (patients with varicocele and primary infertility) as young adults. The primary outcome was the live birth rate. RESULTS The live birth rate was similar in the preventive surgery and control groups. Both preventive surgery and control groups had higher live birth rate than the nonsurgical group. Finally, the secondary surgery group had the lowest live birth rate of all groups. CONCLUSION Preventive surgery for asymptomatic varicocele provides similar fertility outcomes to control groups, whereas nonsurgical strategy provides inferior outcomes and may be overutilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Verhovsky
- Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Medical Corps, Israel; Department of Urology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv university, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Amos Neheman
- Department of Urology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv university, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yishai Hode Rappaport
- Department of Urology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv university, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ron Kedem
- Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Medical Corps, Israel
| | - Azik Hofman
- Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Medical Corps, Israel
| | - Amnon Zisman
- Department of Urology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv university, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Miki Haifler
- Department of Urology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv university, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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