Varicocele: Difference between revisions

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**~90% occur on left due to 90 degree turn at renal vein<ref>Pryor JL, Howards SS. Varicocele. Urol Clin North Am. 1987 Aug;14(3):499-513.</ref>
**~90% occur on left due to 90 degree turn at renal vein<ref>Pryor JL, Howards SS. Varicocele. Urol Clin North Am. 1987 Aug;14(3):499-513.</ref>
*Can impair sperm production/function<ref>Kantartzi PD, Goulis CD, Goulis GD, Papadimas I. Male infertility and varicocele: myths and reality. Hippokratia. 2007;11(3):99-104.</ref>
*Can impair sperm production/function<ref>Kantartzi PD, Goulis CD, Goulis GD, Papadimas I. Male infertility and varicocele: myths and reality. Hippokratia. 2007;11(3):99-104.</ref>
**If right sided, consider inferior vena cava thrombosis
*Sudden appearance may be related to renal malignancy obstructing venous return
*Sudden appearance may be related to renal malignancy obstructing venous return



Revision as of 18:02, 13 February 2016

Background

  • Peak incidence: onset of puberty
  • Dilatation of spermatic cord veins (pampiniform plexus)
    • ~90% occur on left due to 90 degree turn at renal vein[1]
  • Can impair sperm production/function[2]
    • If right sided, consider inferior vena cava thrombosis
  • Sudden appearance may be related to renal malignancy obstructing venous return

Clinical Features

  • Scrotal mass and discomfort (dullness/heaviness)

Differential Diagnosis

Testicular Diagnoses

Diagnosis

  • Physical exam
    • "Bag of worms"
    • More prominent w/ standing or Valsalva
    • Does not trans-illuminate

Treatment

  • Scrotal support (for symptomatic relief)

Disposition

  • Discharge with urology referral
    • Implications of possible subfertility should be discussed with patient by urologist

See Also

References

  1. Pryor JL, Howards SS. Varicocele. Urol Clin North Am. 1987 Aug;14(3):499-513.
  2. Kantartzi PD, Goulis CD, Goulis GD, Papadimas I. Male infertility and varicocele: myths and reality. Hippokratia. 2007;11(3):99-104.