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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Multicenter Italian survey for varicocele treatment in pediatric age.

subject

description

Fertility problems will arise in about 20% of adolescents with varicocele. (level of evidence: 1). The recommended indication criteria for varicocelectomy in children and adolescents are the following: varicocele associated with a small testis, additional testicular condition affecting fertility, bilateral palpable varicocele, pathological sperm quality (in adolescents older than16 years of age), varicocele associated with a supranormal response to LHRH stimulation test, symptomatic varicocele. Repair of a large varicocele physically or psychologically causing discomfort may be also considered.The aim of this multicenter study is to evaluate the management and treatment of varicocele in different Pediatric Surgery Centers throughout Italy by means of a questionnaire regarding varicocele diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.The management of varicocele in the study centers complied with the international guidelines in more than 80% of cases; The preoperative work-up was completed in 95% of cases; postoperative follow-up was at 18 months in 45% of cases, at least at 6 months after surgery in the remaining cases. Laparoscopic treatment had less relapses (independently from the technique used) respect to other techniques but there are no difference respect to hydrocele formation or persistence.