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Published in: World Journal of Surgery 8/2011

01-08-2011

Minilaparoscopic Varicocelectomy with Preservation of Testicular Artery and Lymphatic Vessels by Using Intracorporeal Knot-tying Technique: Five-year Experience

Authors: Shiu-Dong Chung, Chia-Chang Wu, Victor Chia-Hsiang Lin, Chen-Hsun Ho, Stephen Shei Dei Yang, Yao-Chou Tsai

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 8/2011

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Abstract

Background

In this study we present our experience using minilaparoscopic intracorporeal knot tying to ligate internal spermatic veins (ISV) while sparing the spermatic artery and lymphatics.

Methods

Minilaparoscopic varicocelectomies were performed in 87 patients between January 2004 and January 2009. All varicoceles were detected clinically according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and confirmed by scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography. The surgical indications were scrotal symptoms in 71, infertility in 16, and both conditions in 2. Three 3.5 mm minilaparoscopic ports were used for the operation. The ISVs were dissected and then ligated with intracorporeal knot-tying. The testicular artery and lymphatic vessels were carefully preserved to minimize procedure-related complications.

Results

Unilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy was performed in 21 (24.2%) patients and bilateral in 66 (75.8%). Mean operative time was 71.1 ± 29.2 and 46.8 ± 12.6 min for bilateral and unilateral varicocelectomies, respectively. All patients were discharged within 24 h after surgery. Neither immediate major nor late procedure-related complications were noted. Of the 71 patients with scrotal symptoms, the symptoms completely subsided in 55 (77.5%) and partially subsided in 10 (14.1%). Only one (1.2%) recurrent varicocele was detected within a mean follow-up of 21 months (range = 3–42). Neither hydrocele formation nor testicular atrophy was found during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Our 5-year experience revealed that minilaparoscopic varicocelectomy with sparing of artery and lymphatic vessels could safely and effectively ligate all spermatic veins and preserve spermatic arteries and lymphatic channels without leading to a high varicocele persistence or recurrence.
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Metadata
Title
Minilaparoscopic Varicocelectomy with Preservation of Testicular Artery and Lymphatic Vessels by Using Intracorporeal Knot-tying Technique: Five-year Experience
Authors
Shiu-Dong Chung
Chia-Chang Wu
Victor Chia-Hsiang Lin
Chen-Hsun Ho
Stephen Shei Dei Yang
Yao-Chou Tsai
Publication date
01-08-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
World Journal of Surgery / Issue 8/2011
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-011-1115-6

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