BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - There remains little indication for laproscopic varicocelectomy (LV). It has long been recognized that LV has no advantage over subinguinal or inguinal varicocelectomy in the adult patient population, with regards to outcome success, and may only increase the risk of intraabdominal injury. This report from Vanderbilt University now demonstrates the significantly higher incidence of hydrocele formation in the pediatric population treated with LV for clinically significant varicoceles. Of the 79 patients in this study, 57 had more than 6 months followup and a third of these ultimately had evidence of development of a hydrocele postoperatively. Seventy-one percent of these hydroceles developed at least six months following the LV. Half of the patients, who developed a hydrocele, required a hydrocelectomy. The authors hypothesize that high ligation of the lymphatic vessels at the time of the LV is responsible for this observed phenomenon. These pediatric urologists recommend against LV for pediatric varicoceles. Subinguinal or inguinal varicocelectomy is preferred in this patient population.

Journal Urology 175; 1076-1079, 2006