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El-Achkar A, Hammad M, Barham D, Service CA, Patel D, Hsieh TC, Mills J, Kianian R, Eleswarapu S, Ziegelmann M, Smith R, Bryk D, Bernie HL, Egert M, Raheem O, Fendereski K, Gross K, Pastuszak A, Hotaling J, Yafi F. Stripping versus ligation of vas deferens in microscopic denervation of spermatic cord in men with chronic orchialgia: A multicenter study. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38639020 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdenervation of the spermatic cord (MSCD) is an effective treatment modality for men with intractable scrotal content pain. For patients not interested in preserving fertility, some centers advocate ligation of the vas during denervation, while others prefer stripping of the vas deferens to preserve the vasal artery, hence preserving vasculature to the testis and possibly decreasing post-operative congestion pain. OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes of patients with chronic orchialgia, who underwent MSCD by either stripping or ligating the vas deferens. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review of 85 patients who underwent MSCD from 2017-2023 was performed. Patients' demographics including history of prior surgical procedures were recorded. Response to surgery was evaluated as either complete resolution of pain, partial resolution of pain, or no improvement in pain. RESULTS Eighty-five patients underwent MSCD with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 36 (25.5-46.5) years and median duration of pain of 16 (6-31) months. Thirty-seven patients underwent stripping of vas, while 48 underwent ligation of vas during MSCD. Median follow up was 12 months. Twenty-one (43.5%) patients had prior inguinal scrotal surgery in the ligation group compared to 5 (13.5%) in the stripping group, p = 0.003. The etiology of pain was similar between the groups. The response to MSCD between the two groups was similar, 67.6% of patients who underwent stripping had complete resolution of pain versus 66.7% of those who had ligation (p = 0.968), with similar rates of post-operative complications (p-value = 0.132). CONCLUSIONS In men with intractable chronic scrotal content pain with no interest in preserving fertility, ligation, or stripping of the vas deferens yields similar outcomes with regard to pain resolution. Both techniques are safe with no reports of any testicular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan El-Achkar
- Department of Urology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Muhammed Hammad
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - David Barham
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Chad A Service
- Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Darshan Patel
- Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tung Chin Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jesse Mills
- David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Reza Kianian
- David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | - Ryan Smith
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Darren Bryk
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Helen L Bernie
- Department of Urology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Melissa Egert
- Department of Urology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Omer Raheem
- Department of Urology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kiarad Fendereski
- Department of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kelli Gross
- Department of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Alex Pastuszak
- Department of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - James Hotaling
- Department of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Faysal Yafi
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, California, USA
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Visser WR, Smith-Harrison L, Payne B, Smith RP, Krzastek SC. Surgical management of chronic scrotal pain: a review of the current literature. Minerva Urol Nephrol 2022; 74:551-558. [PMID: 35274901 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6051.21.04529-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic scrotal pain may be due to an identifiable cause, may be multifactorial, or may be idiopathic. Successful treatment often requires multimodal therapy with a multidisciplinary approach. Conservative options may be offered initially, but if symptoms fail to improve with conservative interventions, more invasive therapies may be required. A nerve block may be attempted and patients who experience improvement in pain following nerve blocks may be good candidates for surgical denervation of the spermatic cord. Alternative surgical treatment options including proximal nerve blocks, neuromodulation, cryoablation, vasectomy reversal, varicocelectomy, and even orchiectomy have been described. The aim of this review is to discuss the treatment options for chronic scrotal pain with a focus on surgical treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Visser
- Division of Urology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Brayden Payne
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ryan P Smith
- aaaaaaDepartment of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sarah C Krzastek
- Division of Urology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA - .,aaaaaaDepartment of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Division of Urology, Richmond VAMC, Richmond, VA, USA
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Sun HH, Tay KS, Jesse E, Muncey W, Loeb A, Thirumavalavan N. Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord: A Historical Perspective and Recent Developments. Sex Med Rev 2022; 10:791-799. [PMID: 37051952 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of chronic scrotal pain is long and varied, with historical treatment algorithms typically ending with orchiectomy. Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) is a testicle-sparing option for patients who have failed conservative treatment options and over its forty-year history has seen many technical refinements. OBJECTIVES To review the history and development of MDSC and discuss the outcomes of different surgical techniques. METHODS A literature review using PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to identify studies pertaining to surgical treatment of CSP, MDSC, and outcomes. Search terms included "chronic," "scrotal pain," "orchialgia," "spermatic cord," "denervation," and "microsurgery." RESULTS We included 21 case reports and series since the first seminal paper describing MDSC technique in 1978. Additional studies that challenged existing conventions or described novel techniques are also discussed. The current standard procedure utilizes a subinguinal incision and a surgical microscope. Open, robotic, and laparoscopic approaches to MDSC have been described, but access to minimally invasive instruments may be limited outside of developed nations. Pain reduction following preoperative spermatic cord predicts success of MDSC. Methods for identifying and preserving the testicular and deferential arteries vary depending on surgeon preference but appear to have comparable outcomes. Future developments in MDSC involve targeted denervation, minimizing collateral thermal injury, and alternative techniques to visualize arterial supply. CONCLUSION For patients suffering from CSP, MDSC is a well-studied technique that may offer appropriately selected patients' relief. Future investigation comparing targeted vs full MDSC as well as in vivo study of new techniques are needed to continue to improve outcomes. Sun HH, Tay KS, Jesse E, et al. Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord: A Historical Perspective and Recent Developments. Sex Med Rev 2022;XX:XXX-XXX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H Sun
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Kimberly S Tay
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erin Jesse
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Wade Muncey
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aram Loeb
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nannan Thirumavalavan
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Moubasher A, Waqar M, Raison N, Brunckhorst O, Ahmed K. A Review of the Management of Chronic Scrotal Pain. Cureus 2020; 12:e11979. [PMID: 33312831 PMCID: PMC7725413 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic scrotal pain (CSP) is a common and poorly understood medical condition that significantly affects individuals' quality of life. Many patients seek evaluation and management of their symptoms from multiple physicians. Our review aims to address diagnostic modalities, clinical evaluation, and surgical and non-surgical management. We conducted a computerised detailed search of the PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases for reports pertaining to CSP using the Medical Subject Headings keywords 'chronic scrotal pain', 'testicular pain' and 'orchialgia', and we included in the review those that fulfilled the inclusion (adult male with CSP presenting with the criteria of CSP ) and exclusion (extra-scrotal pain) criteria. After the direct causes of CSP were identified by reviewing the clinical evaluations (history taking and examination are mandatory) and the diagnostic evaluations (urine analysis is crucial and ultrasound can be helpful), the most-used medical and non-surgical treatments for CSP were tricyclic antidepressants (success rate of up to 66.6%) and spermatic block (success rate of more than 90%), and the most-used surgical procedure was microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (success rate of up to 70%). The evidence currently available remains rare and of low quality, making it difficult to strongly recommend individual treatment options. However, multimodal treatment modalities using physical therapy and psychotherapy may help patients and provide useful tools for coping with this condition. There are also useful non-surgical and surgical options for CSP that depend on the patient's state, the severity of the complaint and what options have already been tried.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Moubasher
- Urology, King's College Hospital, London, GBR
- Dermatology and Andrology, Assiut University, Assiut, EGY
| | | | - Nicholas Raison
- Urology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, Guy's Hospital Campus, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, GBR
| | - Oliver Brunckhorst
- Urology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, Guy's Hospital Campus, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, GBR
| | - Kamran Ahmed
- Urology, King's College Hospital, London, GBR
- Urology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, Guy's Hospital Campus, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, GBR
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Murthy PB, Parekh NV, Vij SC, Shoskes DA. Microscopic spermatic cord denervation for chronic orchialgia/chronic scrotal content pain: operative outcomes and predictors of failure. Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:1931-1936. [PMID: 33209657 PMCID: PMC7658118 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To describe our institutional outcomes with microscopic spermatic cord denervation (MSCD) for chronic scrotal content paint (CSCP) and identify predictors of treatment failure. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed to identify all MSCD performed by two surgeons at a single institution from 2010–2019. Patient demographic data and operative outcomes were collected. Patients were excluded from analysis if no post-operative follow up was available. Success was defined as complete resolution of bothersome pain. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to identify predictors of treatment failure. Results During the study period, 101 patients were identified in which 113 MSCD procedures were performed. Final analysis included 103 procedures across 93 patients. Mean age was 41.8 years (SD 13.2), mean BMI was 29.2 kg/m2 (SD 5.96) and median months of pain preceding surgery were 24 (range, 3–300 months). Overall, 75/103 (73%) MSCD were successful. Of the failures, 5 patients had recurrence of pain greater than 6 months after surgery. Only the presence of pelvic floor muscle spasm (PFMS) independently predicted MSCD failure (OR 3.95, P=0.02). 9 of 19 (47%) patients with PFMS experienced treatment failure, while 19 of 84 (23%) without PFMS experienced failure. Conclusions MSCD offers a therapeutic option for patients with refractory CSCP. The presence of PFMS is associated with lower surgical success rates. Patients with pre-operatively identified PFMS should be counseled regarding a higher risk of treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithvi B Murthy
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Neel V Parekh
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sarah C Vij
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel A Shoskes
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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