Complications
Can occur following percutaneous embolisation, but relatively uncommon.
Can occur as a result of untreated varicocele or post-surgical complication. Damage to the testicular artery intraoperatively may result in testicular atrophy. Can occur with any surgical approach.
Untreated varicoceles may cause Leydig cell dysfunction and subsequent hypogonadism.[30]
Unclear aetiology; thought to be secondary to lymphatic obstruction.
Incidence of hydrocele varies with procedure: microscopic subinguinal approach (0.8%); percutaneous (11%); open (5%); laparoscopic (7% to 15%).[1]
Most can be safely observed and regress without treatment; some will respond to simple puncture, although if further recurrence is symptomatic, open repair may be indicated.[70]
Usually, hydrocele forms anywhere from 6 months to 3 years after procedure.[71] Long-term follow-up is needed to document true incidence.
Usually occurs as a result of missing veins during primary surgery; recurrence is higher if an artery-sparing technique is used.[1]
Incidence of recurrence varies with procedure: subinguinal approach (2.1%); percutaneous (5%); open (16%; lower recurrence rate if microscope used); laparoscopic (15%; lower recurrence if mass cord ligation performed).[1]
Can take up to 6 months to see resolution of varicocele depending on technique chosen.
A possibility with transperitoneal laparoscopic approach, or with other approaches in the presence of an unexpected hernia.
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