Sub-inguinal interruption of dilated veins in adolescent varicocele: should it be considered a gold standard technique?

Surgeons of varicocele are at present still searching for a gold standard technique, which can correct varicocele without any recurrences, maintaining optimal testicular function, having got minimal current and future morbidity and being cost effective. We evaluated the presence of these criteria in the technique of sub-inguinal dilated vein interruption.Between 1994 and 2001, 142 youngsters and adolescents underwent surgery for varicocele repair at our hospital. Average patient age was 12.4 years (range 8 to 15). One-hundred-six cases (74.7%) were grade III varicocele, while 36 (25.5 ) were grade II. Grade II varicoceles underwent surgery only if associated with scrotal discomfort, testicu…