Significance of Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy.
- Author:
Moung Jin LEE
1
;
Seung Hun CHO
;
Jae Young CHOI
;
Sung Bin KIM
;
Seung Tae LEE
;
Seung Ki MIN
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, National Police Hospital, Seoul, Korea. msk0701@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Varicocele;
Laparoscopy;
Recurrence
- MeSH:
Laparoscopy;
Length of Stay;
Operative Time;
Recurrence;
Varicocele
- From:Korean Journal of Andrology
2010;28(3):209-216
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The best option for varicocele treatment is controversial. We evaluate our experience using laparoscopic varicocelectomy & inguinal varicocelectomy, and then compared the two methods. We started this study to find the best treatment for varicocele patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2002 and July 2008, 168 cases (Group I) were treated with laparoscopic varicocelectomy and 157 cases (Group II) were treated with the inguinal approach. We assessed the two methods according to operative time, hospital stay, recurrence rate, complication rate, and cost effectiveness. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 30.2+/-10.9 min for laparoscopic varicocelectomy and 62.6+/-13.3 min for inguinal varicocelectomy (p<0.05). The recurrence rate was 2% for laparoscopic varicocelectomy and 8% for inguinal varicocelectomy (p>0.05). The complication rate was 10.7% for laparoscopic varicocelectomy and 12.7% for inguinal varicocelectomy (p>0.05). The cost of laparoscopic varicocelectomy was 401,870 won, but inguinal varicocelectomy was 256,480 won (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic varicocelectomy required a shorter operative time but no superior outcomes compared to inguinal varicocelectomy. The laparoscopic approach cannot be replaced with the routine open approach but it is thought to be worth consideration in selective cases.
