[Recurrence following varicocele-operation (author's transl)]

77 patients have been followed after a varicocele-operation between 1972-1976. 68 patients (88%) showed no recurrence. 7 of 9 patients with recurrence of the varicocele have been investigated by contrast-filling of the vena spermatica interna. 4 patients showed a patent spermatic vein. In 2 patients with clinical recurrence of the varicocele all veins had been ligated. In these two cases we must assume that the varicocele is formed the posterior network of the plexus pampiniformis and the blood flows through vena spermatica externa via vena epigastrica inferior into vena femoralis. An additional flow direction exists via the vena pudenda externa into the vena femoralis or via the scrotal veins to the opposite side. These are very seldom variants only found out in 3% in our series.