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Lai CZ, Chen SJ, Huang CP, Chen HY, Tsai MY, Liu PL, Chen YH, Chen WC. Scrotal Pain after Varicocelectomy: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041070. [PMID: 37189688 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a frequently encountered urological disorder, which has a prevalence rate of 8 to 15% among healthy men. However, the incidence is higher in male patients with primary or secondary infertility, with up to 35 to 80% of varicocele cases occurring in this population. The clinical manifestations of varicocele typically include the presence of an asymptomatic mass that feels like a “bag of worms”, chronic scrotal pain, and infertility. Most patients with varicocele only undergo varicocelectomy after conservative treatments have failed. Unfortunately, some patients may still experience persistent scrotal pain due to a recurrence of varicocele, the development of hydrocele, neuralgia, referred pain, ureteral lesions, or nutcracker syndrome. Therefore, clinicians should consider these conditions as potential causes of postoperative scrotal pain, and take measures to address them. Several factors can assist in predicting surgical outcomes for patients with varicocele. Clinicians should consider these factors when deciding whether to perform surgery and what type of surgical intervention to use. By doing so, they can increase the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome and minimize the risk of complications such as postoperative scrotal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Zhi Lai
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Ju Chen
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ping Huang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Yi Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yen Tsai
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833401, Taiwan
- Kaohsiung Municipal Feng Shan Hospital (Under the Management of Chang Gung Medical Foundation), Kaohsiung 830025, Taiwan
| | - Po-Len Liu
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hsiang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 413305, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chen
- Department of Urology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
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Banner D, Cassidy D, Appleby C, Dolan S, Freeman S, Klassen-Ross T, Ghag K. Chronic scrotal content pain: the experiences of patients undergoing microsurgical spermatic cord denervation. Ther Adv Urol 2023; 15:17562872231196685. [PMID: 37767052 PMCID: PMC10521267 DOI: 10.1177/17562872231196685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic scrotal content pain, sometimes referred to as chronic orchialgia, is a common urological condition that gives rise to persistent and often severe painful stimuli to the scrotum and surrounding structures. Despite its relative commonality, accounting for over 2% of urological visits, chronic scrotal content pain is complex to manage and patients may be required to access multiple providers and undergo invasive procedures, including microsurgical spermatic cord denervation (MSCD) surgery. Objective The objective of this study was to understand the experiences and perspectives of persons with chronic scrotal content pain and accessing MSCD surgery. Design An exploratory qualitative design, guided by interpretive description and integrated knowledge translation, was adopted. Methods We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with six patients with chronic scrotal content pain who underwent MSCD surgery in a surgical center in Western Canada. Data were analyzed thematically. Results Analysis of the study data resulted in three core themes: living with chronic scrotal content pain, quality of life, and MSCD procedure and outcomes. We highlight the debilitating nature of pain and the broad impacts upon health, quality of life, and social functioning. Participants described how MSCD surgery offered an effective solution for persistent and debilitating pain. For the participants, MSCD surgery offered hope and the chance to regain their normality. Conclusion For those with chronic scrotal content pain, access to a pain specialist, along with the adoption of a biopsychosocial approach to pain and early access to MSCD surgery, may improve patient experiences and outcomes. Considering the high prevalence of urological pain, greater interdisciplinary care is needed in order to support more effective and timely management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davina Banner
- School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N4Z9, Canada
| | - Darby Cassidy
- Cassidy Urology Clinic, Prince George, BC, Canada (Principal Knowledge-User)
| | - Colin Appleby
- Northern Medical Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Shayna Dolan
- School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Shannon Freeman
- School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Tammy Klassen-Ross
- School of Health Sciences, Senior Instructor, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Kiranpreet Ghag
- School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
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Chung E. Postvaricocele Embolization Pain Syndrome: A Case Series Report and Review of Current Treatment Strategies. J Endovasc Ther 2022:15266028221086472. [PMID: 35341383 DOI: 10.1177/15266028221086472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orchialgia is not an uncommon complaint among men with varicocele, but postvaricocele embolization-related testicular pain has not been widely investigated. This study evaluates the phenomenon of postvaricocele embolization pain (PVEP) syndrome and examines the current strategies to treat this unusual complication. METHODS AND MATERIALS A prospectively collected database of patients with PVEP who presented to a tertiary center was analyzed between January 2011 and January 2020 following internal ethics approval. Patient demographics, including other complications related to embolization, analgesic requirements, and pain scores (on a 10-point visual analog score), treatment strategies, Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score and overall satisfaction score (on a 5-point scale), were reviewed. All patients were reviewed for a minimum of 12 months. RESULTS A total of 20 men with a mean age of 33.8 (18-45) years old, presented with PVEP over 10 years. Most men received embolization on an average of 26.6 (18-48) months. The reasons for varicocele embolization include either isolated or combined orchialgia (15 men), subfertility (5 men), and cosmesis (6 men). Eighteen (90%) men underwent microscopic spermatic cord denervation (MSCD) and 2 patients elected for conservative measures. The average pain scores pre-MSCD and post-MSCD were 6.9 (4-9) and 1.4 (0-4) (p<0.001) with a significant reduction in analgesia requirements. Immediate improvement in pain score was reported in all the patients and this persisted at the 12 months review. Most men reported a high satisfaction score (of 4/5) and only one patient reported no change in symptoms after MSCD. CONCLUSION PVEP is a unique complication and patients should be counseled on the potential risk of persistent orchialgia following embolization for varicocele. The MSCD appears to be an effective treatment option with high success and satisfaction rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chung
- AndroUrology Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,AndroUrology Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Visser WR, Smith-Harrison L, Payne B, Smith RP, Krzastek SC. Surgical management of chronic scrotal pain: a review of the current literature. Minerva Urol Nephrol 2022; 74:551-558. [PMID: 35274901 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6051.21.04529-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic scrotal pain may be due to an identifiable cause, may be multifactorial, or may be idiopathic. Successful treatment often requires multimodal therapy with a multidisciplinary approach. Conservative options may be offered initially, but if symptoms fail to improve with conservative interventions, more invasive therapies may be required. A nerve block may be attempted and patients who experience improvement in pain following nerve blocks may be good candidates for surgical denervation of the spermatic cord. Alternative surgical treatment options including proximal nerve blocks, neuromodulation, cryoablation, vasectomy reversal, varicocelectomy, and even orchiectomy have been described. The aim of this review is to discuss the treatment options for chronic scrotal pain with a focus on surgical treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Visser
- Division of Urology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Brayden Payne
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ryan P Smith
- aaaaaaDepartment of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sarah C Krzastek
- Division of Urology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA - .,aaaaaaDepartment of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Division of Urology, Richmond VAMC, Richmond, VA, USA
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Sun HH, Tay KS, Jesse E, Muncey W, Loeb A, Thirumavalavan N. Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord: A Historical Perspective and Recent Developments. Sex Med Rev 2022; 10:791-799. [PMID: 37051952 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of chronic scrotal pain is long and varied, with historical treatment algorithms typically ending with orchiectomy. Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) is a testicle-sparing option for patients who have failed conservative treatment options and over its forty-year history has seen many technical refinements. OBJECTIVES To review the history and development of MDSC and discuss the outcomes of different surgical techniques. METHODS A literature review using PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to identify studies pertaining to surgical treatment of CSP, MDSC, and outcomes. Search terms included "chronic," "scrotal pain," "orchialgia," "spermatic cord," "denervation," and "microsurgery." RESULTS We included 21 case reports and series since the first seminal paper describing MDSC technique in 1978. Additional studies that challenged existing conventions or described novel techniques are also discussed. The current standard procedure utilizes a subinguinal incision and a surgical microscope. Open, robotic, and laparoscopic approaches to MDSC have been described, but access to minimally invasive instruments may be limited outside of developed nations. Pain reduction following preoperative spermatic cord predicts success of MDSC. Methods for identifying and preserving the testicular and deferential arteries vary depending on surgeon preference but appear to have comparable outcomes. Future developments in MDSC involve targeted denervation, minimizing collateral thermal injury, and alternative techniques to visualize arterial supply. CONCLUSION For patients suffering from CSP, MDSC is a well-studied technique that may offer appropriately selected patients' relief. Future investigation comparing targeted vs full MDSC as well as in vivo study of new techniques are needed to continue to improve outcomes. Sun HH, Tay KS, Jesse E, et al. Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord: A Historical Perspective and Recent Developments. Sex Med Rev 2022;XX:XXX-XXX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H Sun
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Kimberly S Tay
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erin Jesse
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Wade Muncey
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aram Loeb
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nannan Thirumavalavan
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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