Complications
Can occur following percutaneous embolization, but relatively uncommon.
Can occur as a result of untreated varicocele or postsurgical 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.[29]
Unclear etiology; 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.[68]
Usually, hydrocele forms anywhere from 6 months to 3 years after procedure.[69] 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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