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Varicocele


What is a Varicocele?

A varicocele is the dilation of the veins of the pampiniform plexus that drain the testicles. Normally, the backward blood flow is prevented by small one-way valves in the veins. Congenital valve abnormalities or vein compression by adjacent structures can cause vein dilation. This vein dilation may cause an increase in the temperature of the testicles, thus decreasing sperm production and testosterone production. The exact pathophysiology of varicocele and its impact on male reproductive potential has been debated for the last 50 years. Varicocele is still one of the most controversial issues in the field of male infertility, especially regarding why, when and to whom treatment should be applied.

Left varicocele

Robotic assisted sub-inguinal varicocelectomy

How common is a Varicocele?

Varicoceles are identified in approximately 7% of prepuberal and 10-25% of postpuberal males. In older men, varicoceles can be identified in up to 43% of individuals. Prevalence of a varicocele increases over time, and it is estimated that a 10% rise in incidence occurs for each decade of life. It is identified in approximately 20-35% of men with infertility. The higher frequency of varicoceles in both the elderly and in men with infertility suggests that it is a progressive disease.

How does a varicocele affect male fertility?

There are several theories. One concept is that the presence of these dilated veins around the testicle creates a higher temperature environment than what is optimally required by the testicles. This leads to a quantitative and qualitative decrease in sperm production and testosterone production.

Can Varicoceles be treated?

For patients who have infertility, low testosterone levels or pain, surgical correction may be an option. Randomized control trials have now shown that sub-inguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy may provide a higher success rate than abdominal laparoscopic approaches and embolization techniques. Previous studies by Shu et al. have shown some potential benefits to robotic assisted microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy. Our center is one of the leading pioneers in robotic assisted microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy (we have performed well over 1,000 robotic microsurgical procedures).

What are the outcomes after robotic sub-inguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy?

In our recent patient series of over 250 cases over the last few years, 70% of our patients who had low sperm counts achieved a statistically significant improvement in sperm count and/or motility, and 19% of patients who had azoospermia (no sperm in their ejaculate) started to produce sperm. Over 90% of patients who had pain had a significant reduction in their pain levels (based on the PIQ-6 score from RAND – an externally validated pain impact scoring system).

Peer Reviewed Publications on Robotic Varicocelectomy

  • Parekattil SJ, Gudeloglu A.: Robotic assisted andrological surgery. Asian J Androl. 2013 Jan;15(1):67-74. doi:10.1038/aja.2012.131. Epub 2012 Dec 17.
  • Parekattil SJ, Brahmbhatt JV: Robotic approaches for male infertility and chronic orchialgia microsurgery. Curr Opin Urol. 2011 Nov;21(6):493-9.
  • Parekattil SJ, Ellen JH, Priola K, Atalah HN, Cohen MS: Video Technique for Robot-Assisted Microsurgical Subinguinal Varicocelectomy. Journal of Endourology Part B, Videourology. November 2011, 25. doi: 10.1089/vid.2011.0011

THE PUR CLINIC

Orlando Health Medical Group Urology | PUR Clinic

When you choose us, you will get nothing but the most advanced, innovative, compassionate, and patient-centered urologic care. Our specialties include patients with male infertility, need for vasectomy reversal, and management and treatment of chronic testicular and/or groin pain.

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Address:
1920 Don Wickham Drive. Suite 130
Clermont, Florida, 34711

Email: hello@purclinic.com

Phone: 1-352-536-8761

Fax: 321-843-2120

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