Incidence and pattern of varicocele recurrence after laparoscopic ligation of the internal spermatic vein with preservation of the testicular artery

Objectives: To determine the incidence and pattern of recurrence of varicocele after laparoscopic internal spermatic vein ligation with testicular artery preservation. Methods: In a prospective study, 16 patients who underwent 20 laparoscopic varix ligation were evaluated postoperatively for recurrence by clinical physical examination and percutaneous spermatic venography. Results: No significant complications were encountered with the surgical or radiological procedure. Clinical recurrence was detected by physical examination in 20% of cases, while percutaneous spermatic venography detected recurrence in 45% of cases. The sensitivity and specificity of clinical physical examination for detecting varicocele recurrence was 33% and 90.9%, respectively with an accuracy rate of 65%. Recurrences were through parallel collaterals or medial transverse collaterals in 88.8% and 11.2%, respectively. Parallel collaterals joined the spermatic vein in mid or high retroperitoneum in seven patients while it joined the renal vein in one patient. There were no low retroperitoneal parallel collaterals. Conclusions: Laparoscopic ligation of internal spermatic vein with preservation of testicular artery is a procedure that is associated with low morbidity and quick recovery. It is able to achieve its surgical objective in only 55% of cases, however. Such information should be taken into consideration during patient counselling when selecting the operative technique of choice for varicocele ligation.