Varicocele anatomy during subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy in Chinese men

Knowledge of subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy is of fundamental importance to ensure that varicocele is resolved and testicular function is preserved. Our study aimed to describe the number of veins, arteries and lymphatics in the subinguinal spermatic cord and to clarify their differences between two sides, between patients with different complaints and between varicoceles with different clinical grades. A total of 102 consecutive patients underwent 162 primary subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomies, during which the number of vessels with different diameters was recorded. A mean number of 12.9 internal spermatic veins, 0.9 external spermatic veins, 1.8 internal spermatic arteries and 2.9 lymphatics were identified per cord. 88.2% of the internal spermatic arteries were surrounded by a dense complex of adherent veins. The external spermatic vein or veins were found in 49.4% of the cases. The mean number of medium (1-3 mm in diameter) internal spermatic veins on the left was larger than that on the right (P < 0.001). The mean number of medium internal spermatic veins in grade III varicocele was larger than that in grade I or grade II (P < 0.015). There was no significant anatomical difference between the men presenting for infertility, chronic testicular pain and both the two complaints.

Psychosexual adjustment and age factors in 130 men undergone hypospadias surgery in a Chinese hospital

The study investigated the psychosexual status and sexual function in adults who had hypospadias surgery at different ages. A detailed questionnaire was mailed to 130 patients who underwent hypospadias surgery between January 1988 and December 2007, and 50 healthy males who served as the control group. The patients were divided into three groups based on their age at which surgery was completed: group A (n=32; <10 years); group B (n=45; 10-18 years); and group C (n=53; >18 years). The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to assess psychosexual status; a designed questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 were used to assess sexual function. The incidence of anxiety and depression was significantly higher in patients than that in controls (P < 0.001), and was correlated with the age at which surgery was completed. The length and circumference of penises in patients were shorter than those of control groups with statistically significant differences (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between patients and controls regarding libido strength, overall sexual satisfaction and erectile function (P > 0.05). In conclusion, difference existed in certain aspects of psychosexual and penile development between patients and controls. Hypospadias surgery should be performed early.