Varicocele

Approximately 10% of adolescents will develop a condition known as varicocele, which means the presence of dilated (varicose veins) around the testicle. Sometimes this condition is detected due to an abnormal enlargement of the scrotum (the sac that contains the testicles) or because it can become symptomatic resulting in dull, persistent pain on the affected testicle. The increased blood flow around the testicle will elevate its temperature causing damage to the germinal cells and tubules (the structures that produce spermatozoids and that are directly responsible for an individual’s fertility). Over time varicoceles result in various degrees of testicular atrophy and may affect the testicle on the other side resulting, in the worst case scenario, in potential infertility that may or not be reversible with repair of the varicocele. There are various approaches to the operative repair of varicoceles. Our preferred approach is one in which we tie off the dilated veins but preserve the artery leading to the testicle as well as the lymphatics. The operation is performed as an outpatient procedure; the child will be out of school two or three days and back to full activity in three weeks.