[Idiopathic varicocele with special reference to childhood and adolescence]

In the past 20 years, we have treated 28 patients with idiopathic varicocele. The cases are described and the literature is reviewed in relation to clinical presentation and treatment. Since there is a correlation between varicocele and sub-fertility early surgical treatment is advocated for children and adolescents. The surgical approach described by Ivanissevich with an inguinal approach and high ligation of the testicularis vein is preferred and this allows access for associated conditions which we found in one third of our patients.