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Testicular Histology in the Adolescent With a Varicocele
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1987
Year
FertilitySterilityMale Infertility ComplicationsPathologySurgerySemen AnalysisTesticular TumoursSurgical PathologyMale InfertilityTestis BiopsyPublic HealthSexual And Reproductive HealthInfertilityAndrologyHistopathologySurgical LigationHuman ReproductionTesticular HistologyUrologyAdult Male InfertilityMedicine
Varicocele is a common cause of adult male infertility and is usually treated by surgical ligation, yet guidelines for managing adolescents remain unclear. This study aims to describe histologic abnormalities in adolescent testis biopsies with moderate to large varicoceles and to outline follow‑up recommendations. Testicular biopsies were performed on 24 boys with moderate to large varicoceles, revealing histologic abnormalities in nine specimens. Surgical ligation is advised when ipsilateral testicular volume loss is observed.
A varicocele is a common cause of adult male infertility, and surgical ligation is a generally accepted mode of therapy. However, the guidelines for management of the adolescent with a varicocele are not clearly defined. Herein, we describe histologic abnormalities noted on testis biopsy in nine of 24 boys with moderate to large varicoceles. Surgical ligation of the varicocele is recommended when there is volume loss of the testis ipsilateral to the varicocele. All others should be reexamined periodically, and an attempt should be made to obtain a baseline semen analysis.