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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Grade III Varicocele Surgical Treatment using Spermatic Vein-Superficial Abdominal Vein Shunt
Published on: August 23, 2024
[Pediatric varicocele]
1Departamento de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Lisboa.
Insights
Pediatric varicocele treatment is crucial due to risks of testicular atrophy. Surgical intervention, primarily varicocelectomy, showed a 10% recurrence rate in a study of 41 boys.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
Context:
- Pediatric varicocele is increasingly recognized for its potential to cause testicular atrophy and histological changes.
- These changes can be progressive and mirror those seen in infertile adults with varicocele.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the outcomes of varicocelectomy in children diagnosed with primary varicocele.
- To assess the recurrence rate and discuss management strategies for pediatric varicocele.
Summary:
- A cohort of 41 boys (ages 5-15) with primary varicocele underwent surgical treatment between 1990 and 1994.
- The majority of varicoceles were left-sided and grade II.
- Varicocelectomy was performed in 40 patients, with 77% utilizing the Ivanisevìc technique, resulting in a 10% recurrence rate.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of timely intervention for pediatric varicocele to prevent long-term testicular damage.
- Provides data on the efficacy and recurrence of varicocelectomy in pediatric patients.
- Informs clinical considerations for the management of varicocele in children.
Abstract:
The treatment of pediatric varicocele has recently been given a special importance due to clinical and experimental evidence of testicular atrophy and histological changes in 50% of homolateral and sometimes in contralateral testis. Those changes are progressive and similar to those in infertile adults with varicocele. Between 1st January 1990 and 31st December 1994, 41 boys (five to 15 years old--mean age 11.9 years) were presented for evaluation of primary varicocele at the Pediatric Surgery Department of Dona Estefânia Hospital. The varicocele was left sided in 39 boys, bilateral in one and another on the right, with a predominance of grade II. Forty patients underwent varicocelectomy, 31 (77%) by the Ivanisevìc technique. Varicocele recurred in four cases (10%). The authors discuss the results and make some considerations concerning the management of varicocele in children.
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