Variations in the management of asymptomatic adolescent grade 2 or 3 left varicoceles: a survey of practitioners

Current Issues in Adolescent Varicocele: Pediatric Urological Perspectives

While varicocele is the most common cause of surgically correctable infertility in adult males, with repair resulting in improved semen parameters in 60% to 80% of men and a higher likelihood of conception in up to 60% of men, the rationale for varicocele repair in the pediatric population is less clear. Additionally, prepubertal varicoceles are much less common and their management is controversial. Adolescents with a varicocele are often in the midst of a progressive disease process. Despite the high prevalence of varicocele and its association with progressive disease processes, the indications for adolescent varicocele repair and the effects thereof on paternity have been persistently challenging to study. This review will briefly present some of the current issues regarding adolescent varicocele from a pediatric urological point of view, including the evaluation of adolescent varicocele, the optimal surgical indications, the optimal choice of surgical intervention to be performed, and outcomes.

Antegrade sclerotherapy in adolescent varicocele patients

INTRODUCTION

In the 1970s, Tauber described the antegrade sclerotherapy technique to treat varicoceles, and reported a 10% recurrence rate. The present study aimed to evaluate paediatric success rates and the effect of modifications to the surgical technique.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed of all adolescent patients undergoing antegrade sclerotherapy surgery. Each patient had an idiopathic varicocele with spontaneous venous reflux on Doppler examination, and underwent cannulation of a pampiniform plexus vein via a scrotal incision under general anaesthetic. Aethoxysklerol^® 3% (2 ml/kg) maximum 3 ml was injected into the pampiniform plexus vein under fluoroscopic monitoring. Success was assessed by clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound 3, 6 and 9 months after surgery. Data were presented as median (interquartile range). Patients were split into three groups: Group A - liquid sclerotherapy with Y connector; Group B - liquid sclerotherapy direct to cannula; and Group C - foam sclerotherapy direct to cannula. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the success rates in each group.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients underwent antegrade sclerotherapy. The median age was 14.8 years (range 13.7-15.5). Eleven persistent varicoceles occurred and were diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound. The success rate of surgery was 58% in Group A, 90% in Group B and 96% in Group C. Success was significantly higher in Group B and Group C compared with Group A. No testicular atrophy occurred; two wound infections, two haematomas and one hydrocele were recorded (Table).

CONCLUSION

Introduction of antegrade sclerotherapy in the adolescent population resulted in a safe and cost-effective method for the management of adolescent varicocele. Several modifications to the technique have been introduced to achieve a high success rate (96%) with minimal complications.

The Dilemma of Adolescent Varicoceles: Do They Really Have to Be Repaired?

The primary indication for varicocele repair in adults, that of failed paternity, must be substituted in the adolescent population with surrogate parameters of testicular size differential and semen analysis. Making recommendations based on these two parameters is incredibly difficult because studies often have contradictory findings, different patient populations, and lack of long-term follow up of the key endpoint, paternity. Therefore, it is not a surprise that recommendations for adolescent varicocele repair are general (with some exceptions) and necessarily so because of limitations in quality of evidence. Apart from pain, all indications for varicocele repair in adolescence remain controversial. This highlights the most important task for future studies: to prevent pediatric urologists from allowing a potentially damaging process to go untreated, while at the same time avoiding unnecessary intervention on a highly prevalent condition.

Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric and Adolescent Varicocele: A Survey of Pediatric Urologists in Korea

The aim of this study was to evaluate current practice patterns on diagnosis and management of pediatric varicoceles. Questionnaires of approaches to diagnosis and management of pediatric varicoceles were sent electronically to pediatric urologists. Of the 70 questionnaires e-mailed, 37 (53%) responded to the survey. 10 respondents (27%) chose to operate on varicoceles, whereas 9 (24%) chose to observe, and 18 (49%) chose to decide upon treatment depending on the clinical situation. The most important indication for varicocelectomy was a decrease in ipsilateral testicular size (n=29, 78%) followed by testicular or scrotal pain (n=4, 11%) and varicocele grade (n=4, 11%). The optimal age for varicocelectomy was answered as 13.8±2.3 years mean. 32 respondents (86%) have used ultrasonography to aid in the diagnosis of varicoceles, and 26 respondents (70%) have considered repairing varicocele incidentally detected on ultrasonography. In an otherwise asymptomatic patient with varicocele, 17 respondents (46%) considered surgery for grade 3, but 15 respondents (41%) would not repair the varicocele. The most commonly used surgical approach was subinguinal microsurgical (n=19, 51%), followed by inguinal (n=9, 24%) and laparascopic (n=5, 14%) procedures. The most commonly experienced post-operative complication was recurrence (n=22, 59%) followed by persistence (n=13, 35%) and hydrocele (n=10, 27%). 28 respondents (76%) did not have long-term follow-up data including regarding fertility on their varicocele patients. Our survey demonstrates that there is lack of consensus on diagnosis and management of pediatric and adolescent varicoceles among pediatric urologists. A prospective randomized study of pediatric and adolescent varicoceles is needed to assess the outcomes and develop universal management guidelines.

Transitional Urology for Male Adolescents: What Adult Urologists Should Know

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in transitional urology, or how to best prepare patients with major congenital urologic diseases, such as bladder exstrophy and neuropathic bladder, to manage their own health care with adult urologists. However, common pediatric urologic conditions may be encountered by the adult urologist with more regularity. This review focuses on three relatively common conditions which may be identified in childhood, the consequences from which a patient may seek help from an adult urologist: cryptorchidism, varicocele, and Klinefelter syndrome.

Barriers to use of semen analysis in the adolescent with a varicocele: Survey of patient, parental, and practitioner attitudes

BACKGROUND

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine Practice Committee recommends obtaining a semen analysis (SA) in pediatric patients presenting with a varicocele in the absence of significant testicular atrophy. Among infertile adults with a varicocele, surgery is indicated in the presence of abnormal semen analysis regardless of testicular atrophy. Despite these two statements, semen analysis is not widely utilized by pediatric urologists in the USA managing a patient with a varicocele.

OBJECTIVE

We explored the attitudes of patients, parents, and practitioners toward SA to identify potential barriers to the use of SA in the evaluation of the adolescent varicocele.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a survey of Society for Pediatric Urology members regarding their management of adolescent varicoceles, with focus on the utilization of SA. The survey consisted of 14 multiple choice questions and two open-ended questions regarding use of SA in practice, barriers to its use, indications for varicocelectomy, and demographics. We also surveyed patients presenting for initial evaluation of a varicocele, as well as their parents, regarding their knowledge about SA and their attitude towards obtaining it. Statistical analysis was performed (p < 0.05 significant).

RESULTS

The practitioner survey response rate was 53% (168). Only 13.1% routinely incorporated SA in their practice, with 48% of all responders having some degree of discomfort asking for a SA. Of practitioners who cited discomfort, 90% never order a SA for patients with varicoceles. From the 46% of physicians who ordered a SA, we noted significant practice variability (see Figure). The patient/parent survey demonstrated that this population was uncomfortable with the notion of obtaining a SA, with most patients/parents citing lack of knowledge about SA as the main barrier. Patient and parent knowledge was found to correlate.

DISCUSSION

This study uniquely addresses an issue that has not been discussed in the adolescent varicocele literature to date. It can increase awareness of the option of incorporating SA data in management of the adolescent who presents with a varicocele.

CONCLUSION

Recognizing and then breaking through the barriers to obtaining a SA, would improve patient care, providing a direct assessment of the impact of a varicocele on fertility potential and thus best determining which patients require surveillance versus surgical intervention. This study suggested that the barriers to SA are surmountable.

Adolescent Varicoceles and Infertility

Varicoceles are associated with testicular atrophy and abnormal spermatogenesis. Varicocele-related testicular damage is thought to be progressive in nature. Adult varicoceles are common in men with infertility, and varicocele repair in this population has demonstrated improved semen parameters and paternity outcomes. However, without solid objective endpoints (reproducible semen analyses, paternity), the indications for adolescent varicocele repair remain controversial. Given the controversy surrounding adolescent varicocele management, it is not surprising that surveys of pediatric urologists have revealed a lack of consensus on diagnostic approaches, treatment decisions, and operative approaches.

Evaluation and Management of the Adolescent Varicocele

PURPOSE

Varicocele is one of the most common genital conditions referred to pediatric urologists. Most adolescents with varicocele are asymptomatic and their fertility future (and surgery benefit) is largely unknown. This review assesses varicocele evaluation, management and indications for repair, as well as types and success of varicocelectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed on Embase™, PubMed® and Google Scholar™ for adolescent varicocele. Original research articles and relevant reviews were examined, and a synopsis of these data was generated for a comprehensive review of clinical adolescent varicocele management.

RESULTS

The prevalence of adolescent varicocele is similar to the adult population. While ultrasound is the most sensitive method for determining testicular volumes, orchidometer measurement may be adequate to gauge significant discordance. Significant hypotrophy of the affected testis with poor total testicular volume may indicate a testis at risk and warrant surgical repair. Similar findings have been noted with an associated high peak retrograde venous flow. Testicular hypotrophy often resolves following surgery but may also improve spontaneously if followed through adolescence. Continued scrotal pain despite adequate support or serial abnormal semen analysis in Tanner stage V boys is an indication for varicocelectomy. Artery and lymphatic sparing techniques (microscopic subinguinal or laparoscopic) are associated with the lowest risk of recurrence and complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Overtreatment and under treatment are medically and financially costly. Abnormal serial semen analysis with or without testicular hypotrophy is an indication for varicocele repair. If observation remains the treatment, followup with an adult urologist should be encouraged until paternity is achieved.