Laparoscopic Spermatic Vein Ligation for Varicocele in Adolescents
Zahavi Cohen, Alon Yulevich, Vadim Kapuler, Niza Newman, Abraham J. Mares
Pediatric Surgery Dept., Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba
We report our initial experience with laparoscopic ligation of spermatic veins in the treatment of varicocele in adolescence. 19 boys, 13 to 18 years old, underwent this treatment between I 1997 and III 98. The varicocele was always on the left side. 12 complained of scrotal discomfort and pain, but in 7 it was found incidentally during routine medical examination by the family or school physician. The diagnosis was based only on physical examination.
There has been no morbidity related to the laparoscopic procedure and all returned to normal activity within a few days. Follow-up 2-12 months after surgery showed no varicocele in any. We conclude that laparoscopy is useful in the treatment of varicocele in adolescents.