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Outpatient varicocelectomy performed under local anesthesia
Geng-Long Hsu1, Pei-Ying Ling, Cheng-Hsing Hsieh
1Microsurgical Potency Reconstruction and Research Center, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, 424, Pa Te Road, Sec. 2, Taipei 105, Taiwan, China. glhsu@tahsda.org.tw
Asian Journal of Andrology
|November 11, 2005
Summary
Varicocelectomy, a surgery for varicocele, can be safely and effectively performed under local anesthesia. This minimally invasive approach allows for a quicker return to daily activities with fewer complications.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Surgical Anesthesia
Background:
- Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility.
- Surgical intervention is often required for symptomatic varicoceles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of varicocelectomy performed exclusively under local anesthesia.
- To assess patient comfort and recovery following local anesthesia varicocelectomy.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 575 varicocelectomy procedures performed between 1988 and 2003.
- High ligation of the internal spermatic vein using regional block with 0.8% lidocaine.
- Pain assessment using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS).
Main Results:
- All 575 procedures were successfully completed on an outpatient basis, with only two requiring general anesthesia.
- 98.6% of patients returned to work within one week post-surgery.
- Average VAS pain score was 18.5±11.3 mm, indicating tolerable pain levels.
Conclusions:
- Varicocelectomy under local anesthesia is a simple, effective, and safe procedure.
- This method offers advantages such as increased patient privacy, reduced morbidity, and faster recovery.
- Minimal complications and no significant adverse effects related to anesthesia were observed.