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何 海, 李 清, 徐 涛, 张 晓. [Construction of a predictive model for postoperative pain relief after microscopic spermatic cord surgery for spermatic cord pain]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2024; 56:646-655. [PMID: 39041560 PMCID: PMC11284479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the relevant factors affecting the efficacy of microscopic spermatic cord surgery and build a predictive model for postoperative pain relief. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 324 patients with spermatic cord pain who visited the Department of Urology at Peking University People's Hospital between October 2015 and April 2023. This cohort included 212 patients with varicocele-related spermatic cord pain and 112 patients with idiopathic spermatic cord pain. All the patients underwent microsurgical procedures: varicocele-related pain was treated with microsurgical varicocelectomy, and idiopathic pain was treated with microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord. The patients were categorized into effective and ineffective groups based on whether their pain had decreased by more than 50% six months post-surgery compared with pre-surgery levels. Baseline data were preliminarily screened for clinical indicators using t tests and univariate analysis. Clinical predictor variables [age, duration of pain, diameter of varicocele, patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score, generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) score] were selected using Lasso regression. A clinical prediction model for effective pain relief following microscopic spermatic cord surgery was constructed using Logistic regression and presented as a nomogram. The model's internal validation was performed using the bootstrap method. Its predictive power and clinical utility were evaluated through the concor-dance index, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and calibration plots. RESULTS Post-microscopic varicocele ligation, 156 patients (73.58%) experienced significant pain relief, as did 94 patients (83.93%) following microscopic denervation. Independent predictors for postoperative outcomes included age, PHQ-9 score, GAD-7 score, chronic pain duration, and varicocele diameter, differing slightly between varicocele-related and idiopathic pain groups. The models demonstrated excellent predictive ability, with areas under the curve of 0.909 and 0.913 for varicocele and idiopathic groups, respectively, and high concordance indices. CONCLUSION The postoperative efficacy prediction model based on age, pain duration, PHQ-9 score, GAD-7 score, and varicocele diameter has good predictive ability and clinical applicability, and can be used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- 海龙 何
- />北京大学人民医院泌尿外科, 北京大学应用碎石技术研究所, 北京 100044Department of Urology, Peking University People' s Hospital; The Institute of Applied Lithotripsy Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 清 李
- />北京大学人民医院泌尿外科, 北京大学应用碎石技术研究所, 北京 100044Department of Urology, Peking University People' s Hospital; The Institute of Applied Lithotripsy Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 涛 徐
- />北京大学人民医院泌尿外科, 北京大学应用碎石技术研究所, 北京 100044Department of Urology, Peking University People' s Hospital; The Institute of Applied Lithotripsy Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 晓威 张
- />北京大学人民医院泌尿外科, 北京大学应用碎石技术研究所, 北京 100044Department of Urology, Peking University People' s Hospital; The Institute of Applied Lithotripsy Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
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Lai CZ, Chen SJ, Huang CP, Chen HY, Tsai MY, Liu PL, Chen YH, Chen WC. Scrotal Pain after Varicocelectomy: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041070. [PMID: 37189688 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a frequently encountered urological disorder, which has a prevalence rate of 8 to 15% among healthy men. However, the incidence is higher in male patients with primary or secondary infertility, with up to 35 to 80% of varicocele cases occurring in this population. The clinical manifestations of varicocele typically include the presence of an asymptomatic mass that feels like a “bag of worms”, chronic scrotal pain, and infertility. Most patients with varicocele only undergo varicocelectomy after conservative treatments have failed. Unfortunately, some patients may still experience persistent scrotal pain due to a recurrence of varicocele, the development of hydrocele, neuralgia, referred pain, ureteral lesions, or nutcracker syndrome. Therefore, clinicians should consider these conditions as potential causes of postoperative scrotal pain, and take measures to address them. Several factors can assist in predicting surgical outcomes for patients with varicocele. Clinicians should consider these factors when deciding whether to perform surgery and what type of surgical intervention to use. By doing so, they can increase the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome and minimize the risk of complications such as postoperative scrotal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Zhi Lai
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Ju Chen
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ping Huang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Yi Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yen Tsai
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833401, Taiwan
- Kaohsiung Municipal Feng Shan Hospital (Under the Management of Chang Gung Medical Foundation), Kaohsiung 830025, Taiwan
| | - Po-Len Liu
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hsiang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 413305, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chen
- Department of Urology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
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Mamaril-Davis JC, Joshi N, Palsma R, Aguilar-Salinas P, Walter CM, Hashim S, Weinand M. Spinal cord stimulation for genitofemoral neuropathy: A case report and review of the literature. Surg Neurol Int 2022; 13:533. [DOI: 10.25259/sni_901_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Chronic testicular pain due to genitofemoral neuropathy often becomes refractory to conservative medical therapy. Neurostimulation is a potentially useful treatment option, should the neuropathic pain remain refractory to more invasive procedures such as orchiectomy. We provide a case report of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for successful treatment of genitofemoral neuropathy and have also reviewed the literature to find similar cases which required a similar treatment paradigm.
Case Description:
A 42-year-old male underwent SCS for refractory testicular and groin pain. SCS through a four-column, 2 × 8 contact neurostimulator paddle lead, was implanted in the mid-thoracic-9 (T9) vertebral level, providing > 50% testicular pain relief with a decrease in visual analog scale scores from 8–10/10 to 3–4/10. The patient required one adjustment to the stimulation parameters at the time of the 6 weeks follow-up visit due to over-stimulation. He then continued to experience >50% resolution in pain 9 months later. A review of the literature yielded only two similar cases that successfully utilized SCS for treatment of chronic testicular pain.
Conclusion:
SCS should be considered as a possible treatment option for patients with chronic testicular pain localized to the genitofemoral nerve distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil Joshi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Tucson, United States
| | - Ryan Palsma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Tucson, United States
| | - Pedro Aguilar-Salinas
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Tucson, United States
| | - Christina M. Walter
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Tucson, United States
| | - Shamam Hashim
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Tucson, United States
| | - Martin Weinand
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Tucson, United States
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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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Khalafalla K, Arafa M, Elbardisi H, Majzoub A. Non-pharmacological treatments for chronic orchialgia: A systemic review. Arab J Urol 2021; 19:401-410. [PMID: 34552792 PMCID: PMC8451689 DOI: 10.1080/2090598x.2021.1958469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective : To review the outcomes of various therapeutic modalities that can be offered to patients with chronic orchialgia (CO) after failed conservative treatment. Methods : A literature search was conducted using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases searching for articles exploring different CO treatment modalities. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach was used to report the results of the literature search. Results : A total of 34 studies were included for qualitative analysis. Most of the studies explored microsurgical spermatic cord denervation (MSCD; n = 19). Eight studies involved devices and interventions directed at blocking nerve sensations (pulsed radiofrequency stimulation, n = 5; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, n = 1; cryoablation, n = 1; and mechanical vibratory stimulation, n = 1). Five studies reported on vasectomy reversal as a modality to relieve post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS), while two studies explored the outcomes of orchidectomy on pain relief in patients with CO. Conclusion : Several treatment methods are available in the urologist’s armamentarium for the treatment of CO. MSCD appears to be an appealing treatment modality with encouraging outcomes. Neuropathic pain can be managed with a number of relatively non-invasive modalities. Vasectomy reversal is a sound treatment approach for patients with PVPS and ultimately orchidectomy is a terminal approach that can be discussed with patients suffering from intractable pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, CL, OH, USA.,Andrology Department, Cario University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Haitham Elbardisi
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, CL, OH, USA
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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Al-Gadheeb A, El-Tholoth HS, Albalawi A, Althobity A, AlNumi M, Alafraa T, Jad A. Microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy for testicular pain: a retrospective study on outcomes and predictors of pain relief. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:1. [PMID: 33413080 PMCID: PMC7788765 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-020-00119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 2–10% of patients with varicocele complain of pain. Varicocelectomy for testicular pain is a surgical choice when conservative therapy fails to relieve the pain. Different variables have been reported as prognostic factors for pain relief following varicocele ligation. Moreover, the success rate of varicocelectomy for testicular pain has varied among studies. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the predictors and success rate of microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy performed for the treatment of painful varicocele. Results Among the 132 patients, 83.3% reported pain relief. A significant association was identified between varicocelectomy for unilateral testicular pain and pain resolution (P < 0.0001); no other factors were predictors of pain relief. Conclusions Microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy for testicular pain is an effective surgical alternative. Varicocelectomy for unilateral testicular pain may predict postoperative pain relief in appropriately selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Gadheeb
- Department of Urology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hossam S El-Tholoth
- Department of Urology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Albalawi
- Department of Urology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mussa AlNumi
- Department of Urology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tala Alafraa
- Department of Urology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amr Jad
- Department of Urology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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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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Parekattil SJ. Targeted Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord for Chronic Orchialgia: the Current Standard of Care. Curr Urol Rep 2020; 21:47. [PMID: 32926242 DOI: 10.1007/s11934-020-00999-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper reviews the pathophysiology, current literature, techniques for full microsurgical denervation (MDSC) and targeted microsurgical denervation (TMDSC) of the spermatic cord, and outcomes for these treatment options for patients with chronic scrotal content pain (CSCP) or orchialgia. RECENT FINDINGS Significant reduction in pain (77-100%) is reported across various studies for CSCP patients with minimal patient morbidity. The testicular atrophy/loss risk is less than 1%. Testosterone levels do not appear to be affected by TMDSC/MDSC. The outcomes between TMDSC and MDSC are comparable (not statistically significantly different). However, TMDSC is significantly more efficient and a lot less tedious to perform. TMSCD had a shorter microsurgical operative time (21 min vs 53 min, P = 0.0001) than MDSC. Targeted or full microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord is a safe and effective treatment option that is well published across several studies. The targeted MDSC approach is a more efficient and potentially less risky approach with similar outcomes to full MDSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijo Joseph Parekattil
- Avant Concierge Urology & University of Central Florida, 15548 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL, 34787, USA.
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Parekattil SJ, Ergun O, Gudeloglu A. Management of Chronic Orchialgia: Challenges and Solutions - The Current Standard of Care. Res Rep Urol 2020; 12:199-210. [PMID: 32754451 PMCID: PMC7351977 DOI: 10.2147/rru.s198785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic scrotal content pain (CSP) or chronic orchialgia can be debilitating for patients and difficult to treat. There is a paucity of structured treatment algorithms to approach this difficult condition. METHODS A review of the literature was performed. Conservative treatment options are presented and then targeted surgical interventions that the urologist may perform are then presented in a structured algorithm format. Many of these patients may obtain a significant reduction in pain with some of these treatments. RESULTS This review presents the pathophysiology, a new assessment tool, and various treatment options available for CSP patients, such as targeted spermatic cord blocks, targeted and standard microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (77-100% success rates), ultrasound-guided peri-spermatic cord and ilioinguinal cryoablation (59-75% success rates), scrotox (botox) (56-72% success rates), targeted ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric peripheral nerve stimulation (72% success rate), radical orchiectomy (20-75% success rate), targeted robotic-assisted intra-abdominal denervation (71% success rate) and vasectomy reversal (69-100% success rates). CONCLUSION A structured and evidence-based approach to help urologists manage patients with chronic orchialgia or scrotal content pain is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Onuralp Ergun
- Department of Urology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Shiraishi K, Tabara M, Matsuyama H. High Inguinal Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord for Chronic Scrotal Content Pain: A Novel Approach for Adult and Pediatric Patients. Urology 2019; 131:144-149. [PMID: 31136771 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To improve the technique and results of microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) for men with chronic scrotal content pain, we describe a novel approach at the level of the internal inguinal ring for the complete transection of the nerves running both inside and outside the spermatic cord for adults and children. METHODS A retrospective review of 52 patients (64 testicular units) who underwent high inguinal MDSC was performed. Visual analogue scale (VAS, 1-10) scores were compared with before and every 3 months after the surgery. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory. Hormonal evaluations were performed before and 6 months after the surgery. RESULTS The average patient age was 52.4 years (12-78); including 6 pediatric cases. The mean operative time was 67 minutes per testicular unit, and there were no major complications. The mean pre- and post-MDSC VAS scores were 8.3 and 2.5, respectively (P < .0001). Forty-six (88%) cases showed positive responses after MDSC, and multivariate analysis showed that pain outside the scrotum and depressive symptoms were predictors of MDSC failure (P < .05, odds ratio: 15.27 and 12.56, respectively). CONCLUSION For both adult and pediatric patients, high inguinal MDSC is an effective and safe management option, including testicular function, for the chronic scrotal content pain that is refractory to medical management. We find that the high inguinal approach is easier in our experience than the subinguinal approach because of fewer divisions of veins, a larger diameter of the spermatic artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Shiraishi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan.
| | - Masanori Tabara
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hideyasu Matsuyama
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
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