Treatment of varicocele in pediatric age with retroperitoneoscopic"one trochar" technique. Long term follow-up

Aim. The incidence of varicocele varies from 6% to 16.2% in male children and adolescents. Various techniques were proposed to treat it. In the last years there was an increasing interest in the use of laparoscopy in pediatric urology. The authors reports their experience in the treatment of varicocele by retroperitoneoscopy with one trocar technique and the long-term follow-up in pediatric patients. Methods. Fourty patients were treated for idiopathic Horner's degree III or less, but symptomatic, and type 1 according to Coolsaet varicocele. All patients underwent a clinical examination and echo-color Doppler before treatment and during the follow-up. Results. The following parameters were evaluated: duration of the operation, intra and post-operative complications, duration of hospitalization and of antalgic therapy. Follow-up was at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months (mean 23.4 months). Testicles diameters, persistence/recurrence of varicocele and hydroceles were estimated. Conclusion. The retroperitoneoscopic approach in the treatment of varicocele is an effective technique because it implies a minor surgical trauma, a rapid postoperative recovery and a good cosmetic result.