Varicocele Questions & Answers

Updated: Apr 07, 2023
  • Author: Wesley M White, MD; Chief Editor: Bradley Fields Schwartz, DO, FACS  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is a varicocele?

When was varicocele first identified?

What medical problems are caused by varicocele?

What is the prevalence of varicocele?

What are causes varicocele?

How are varicoceles classified?

What is the pathophysiology of varicocele?

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of varicocele?

Which physical findings are characteristic of varicocele?

How do varicoceles affect fertility?

When is surgical correction of a varicocele indicated?

Which clinical features are predictors for successful varicocelectomy to treat varicocele?

How does the natural history of varicoceles differ between adolescents and adults?

When is surgical repair of varicocele indicated in the treatment of adolescents?

What is the anatomy of male genital organs relevant to varicocele?

What are contraindications for varicocele repair?

Workup

What is the role of lab tests in the workup of varicocele?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of varicocele?

Treatment

How are varicoceles treated?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of varicocele?

What is the role of anesthesia in the treatment of varicocele?

What are the most common surgical approaches used to correct scrotal varicocele?

How is varicocele surgery performed?

What are potential drawbacks of the retroperitoneal approach for treatment of varicocele?

How is percutaneous embolization performed in the treatment of varicocele?

What is included in postoperative care following varicocele repair?

What are the common discomforts or symptoms after varicocele repair?

How are postoperative infections treated following varicocele repair?

What are the signs and symptoms of hematoma following varicocele repair?

What is included in the long-term monitoring following varicocele repair?

What are the possible complications of varicocele treatment?

What is the prognosis of varicocele?

What is the role of ICSI in the management of varicocele?

How is subclinical varicocele treated in infertile men?