Varicocele

References

Key articles

Schlegel PN, Sigman M, Collura B, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: AUA/ASRM guideline part I. J Urol. 2021 Jan;205(1):36-43.Full text  Abstract

European Association of Urology. Sexual and reproductive health guidelines. Apr 2024 [internet publication].Full text

Persad E, O'Loughlin CA, Kaur S, et al. Surgical or radiological treatment for varicoceles in subfertile men. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Apr 23;4:CD000479.Full text  Abstract

European Association of Urology. Guidelines on paediatric urology. Apr 2024 [internet publication].Full text

Reference articles

1. Nguyen HT. Hernia, hydroceles, testicular torsion, and varicocele. In: Docimo SG, Canning DA, Khoury AE, eds. Clinical pediatric urology. London, UK: Informa Healthcare; 2007.

2. Diamond DA. Adolescent varicocele: emerging understanding. BJU Int. 2003 Oct;92 Suppl 1:48-51. Abstract

3. Steeno O, Knops J, Declerck L, et al. Prevention of fertility disorders by detection and treatment of varicocele at school and college age. Andrologia. 1976;8(1):47-53. Abstract

4. Kumanov P, Robeva RN, Tomova A. Adolescent varicocele: who is at risk? Pediatrics. 2008 Jan;121(1):e53-7. Abstract

5. Sylora JA, Pryor JL. Varicocele. Curr Ther Endocrinol Metab. 1994;5:309-14. Abstract

6. Green KF, Turner TT, Howards SS. Varicocele: reversal of the testicular bloodflow and temperature effects by varicocele repair. J Urol. 1984 Jun;131(6):1208-11. Abstract

7. World Health Organization. The influence of varicocele on parameters of fertility in a large group of men presenting to infertility clinics. Fertil Steril. 1992 Jun;57(6):1289-93. Abstract

8. Gorelick JI, Goldstein M. Loss of fertility in men with varicocele. Fertil Steril. 1993 Mar;59(3):613-6. Abstract

9. Vasavada S, Ross J, Nasrallah P, et al. Prepubertal varicoceles. Urology. 1997 Nov;50(5):774-7. Abstract

10. Prabakaran S, Kumanov P, Tomova A, et al. Adolescent varicocele: association with somatometric parameters. Urol Int. 2006;77(2):114-7. Abstract

11. Delaney DP, Carr MC, Kolon TF, et al. The physical characteristics of young males with varicocele. BJU Int. 2004 Sep;94(4):624-6. Abstract

12. May M, Taymoorian K, Beutner S, et al. Body size and weight as predisposing factors in varicocele. Scand J Urol Nephrol. 2006;40(1):45-8. Abstract

13. Xiao-Bin G, Fang-Lei W, Hui X, et al. The association between body mass index and varicocele: a meta-analysis. Int Braz J Urol. 2021 Jan-Feb;47(1):8-19.Full text  Abstract

14. Raman JD, Walmsley K, Goldstein M. Inheritance of varicoceles. Urology. 2005 Jun;65(6):1186-9. Abstract

15. Mohammadali Beigi F, Mehrabi S, Javaherforooshzadeh A. Varicocele in brothers of patients with varicocele. Urol J. 2007 Winter;4(1):33-5. Abstract

16. Mokhtari G, Pourreza F, Falahatkar S, et al. Comparison of prevalence of varicocele in first-degree relatives of patients with varicocele and male kidney donors. Urology. 2008 Apr;71(4):666-8. Abstract

17. Sigmund G, Gall H, Bahren W. Stop-type and shunt-type varicoceles: venographic findings. Radiology. 1987 Apr;163(1):105-10. Abstract

18. Bong GW, Koo HP. The adolescent varicocele: to treat or not to treat. Urol Clin North Am. 2004 Aug;31(3):509-15. Abstract

19. Wishahi MM. Anatomy of the spermatic venous plexus (pampiniform plexus) in men with and without varicocele: intraoperative venographic study. J Urol. 1992 May;147(5):1285-9. Abstract

20. Ates N, Yüksel M, Ylmaz S, et al. Retroperitoneal paraganglioma presenting as right-sided varicocele: case report. Ann Saudi Med. 2016 Mar-Apr;36(2):148-51.Full text  Abstract

21. Cho CL, Esteves SC, Agarwal A. Novel insights into the pathophysiology of varicocele and its association with reactive oxygen species and sperm DNA fragmentation. Asian J Androl. 2016 Mar-Apr;18(2):186-93.Full text  Abstract

22. Paduch DA, Niedzielski J. Semen analysis in young men with varicocele: preliminary study. J Urol. 1996 Aug;156(2 Pt 2):788-90. Abstract

23. Macey MR, Owen RC, Ross SS, et al. Best practice in the diagnosis and treatment of varicocele in children and adolescents. Ther Adv Urol. 2018 Jun 22;10(9):273-82.Full text  Abstract

24. Chung JM, Lee SD. Current issues in adolescent varicocele: pediatric urological perspectives. World J Mens Health. 2018 May;36(2):123-31.Full text  Abstract

25. Schlegel PN, Sigman M, Collura B, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: AUA/ASRM guideline part I. J Urol. 2021 Jan;205(1):36-43.Full text  Abstract

26. Elmer DeWitt M, Greene DJ, Gill B, et al. Isolated right varicocele and incidence of associated cancer. Urology. 2018 Jul;117:82-5.Full text  Abstract

27. Walker AR, Kogan BA. Cost-benefit analysis of scrotal ultrasound in treatment of adolescents with varicocele. J Urol. 2010 May;183(5):2008-11. Abstract

28. Freeman S, Bertolotto M, Richenberg J, et al. Ultrasound evaluation of varicoceles: guidelines and recommendations of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group (ESUR-SPIWG) for detection, classification, and grading. Eur Radiol. 2020 Jan;30(1):11-25.Full text  Abstract

29. Tanrikut C, Goldstein M, Rosoff JS, et al. Varicocele as a risk factor for androgen deficiency and effect of repair. BJU Int. 2011 Nov;108(9):1480-4.Full text  Abstract

30. Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine; Society for Male Reproduction and Urology. Report on varicocele and infertility: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril. 2014 Dec;102(6):1556-60.Full text  Abstract

31. European Association of Urology. Sexual and reproductive health guidelines. Apr 2024 [internet publication].Full text

32. Caliskan Z, Kucukgergin C, Aktan G, et al. Evaluation of sperm DNA fragmentation in male infertility. Andrologia. 2022 Dec;54(11):e14587. Abstract

33. Persad E, O'Loughlin CA, Kaur S, et al. Surgical or radiological treatment for varicoceles in subfertile men. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Apr 23;4:CD000479.Full text  Abstract

34. Qiu D, Shi Q, Pan L. Efficacy of varicocelectomy for sperm DNA integrity improvement: a meta-analysis. Andrologia. 2021 Feb;53(1):e13885. Abstract

35. Li F, Yamaguchi K, Okada K, et al. Significant improvement of sperm DNA quality after microsurgical repair of varicocele. Syst Biol Reprod Med. 2012 Oct;58(5):274-7.Full text  Abstract

36. Birowo P, Tendi W, Widyahening IS, et al. The benefits of varicocele repair for achieving pregnancy in male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2020 Nov 5;6(11):e05439.Full text  Abstract

37. Shah R, Agarwal A, Kavoussi P, et al. Consensus and diversity in the management of varicocele for male infertility: results of a global practice survey and comparison with guidelines and recommendations. World J Mens Health. 2023 Jan;41(1):164-97.Full text  Abstract

38. Birowo P, Rahendra Wijaya J, Atmoko W, et al. The effects of varicocelectomy on the DNA fragmentation index and other sperm parameters: a meta-analysis. Basic Clin Androl. 2020 Sep 10:30:15.Full text  Abstract

39. Punjani N, Wald G, Gaffney CD, et al. Predictors of varicocele-associated pain and its impact on semen parameters following microsurgical repair. Andrologia. 2021 Sep;53(8):e14121. Abstract

40. Diamond DA, Paltiel HJ, DiCanzio J, et al. Comparative assessment of pediatric testicular volume: orchidometer versus ultrasound. J Urol. 2000 Sep;164(3 Pt 2):1111-4. Abstract

41. Meacham RB, Townsend RR, Rademacher D, et al. The incidence of varicoceles in the general population when evaluated by physical examination, gray scale sonography and color Doppler sonography. J Urol. 1994 Jun;151(6):1535-8. Abstract

42. Kursh ED. What is the incidence of varicocele in a fertile population? Fertil Steril. 1987 Sep;48(3):510-1. Abstract

43. Bogaert G, Orye C, De Win G. Pubertal screening and treatment for varicocele do not improve chance of paternity as adult. J Urol. 2013 Jun;189(6):2298-303. Abstract

44. Bogaert GA. Adolescent varicocele: limited indications for treatment during puberty and adolescence. Transl Androl Urol. 2014 Dec;3(4):398-401.Full text  Abstract

45. European Association of Urology. Guidelines on paediatric urology. Apr 2024 [internet publication].Full text

46. Yuan R, Zhuo H, Cao D, et al. Efficacy and safety of varicocelectomies: a meta-analysis. Syst Biol Reprod Med. 2017 Apr;63(2):120-9.Full text  Abstract

47. Al-Kandari AM, Shabaan H, Ibrahim HM, et al. Comparison of outcomes of different varicocelectomy techniques: open inguinal, laparoscopic, and subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy: a randomized clinical trial. Urology. 2007 Mar;69(3):417-20.Full text  Abstract

48. Al-Said S, Al-Naimi A, Al-Ansari A, Y, et al. Varicocelectomy for male infertility: a comparative study of open, laparoscopic and microsurgical approaches. J Urol. 2008 Jul;180(1):266-70. Abstract

49. Baazeem A, Belzile E, Ciampi A, et al. Varicocele and male factor infertility treatment: a new meta-analysis and review of the role of varicocele repair. Eur Urol. 2011 Oct;60(4):796-808. Abstract

50. Ding H, Tian J, Du W, et al. Open non-microsurgical, laparoscopic or open microsurgical varicocelectomy for male infertility: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BJU Int. 2012 Nov;110(10):1536-42. Abstract

51. Diamond DA, Zurakowski D, Atala A, et al. Is adolescent varicocele a progressive disease process? J Urol. 2004 Oct;172(4 pt 2):1746-8; discussion 1748. Abstract

52. Thomas JC, Elder JS. Testicular growth arrest and adolescent varicocele: does varicocele size make a difference? J Urol. 2002 Oct;168(4 Pt 2):1689-91. Abstract

53. Laven JS, Haans LC, Mali WP, et al. Effects of varicocele treatment in adolescents: a randomized study. Fertil Steril. 1992 Oct;58(4):756-62. Abstract

54. Li F, Chiba K, Yamaguchi K, et al. Effect of varicocelectomy on testicular volume in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis. Urology. 2012 Jun;79(6):1340-5. Abstract

55. Owen RC, McCormick BJ, Figler BD, et al. A review of varicocele repair for pain. Transl Androl Urol. 2017 May;6(suppl 1):S20-9.Full text  Abstract

56. Esteves SC, Roque M, Agarwal A. Outcome of assisted reproductive technology in men with treated and untreated varicocele: systematic review and meta-analysis. Asian J Androl. 2016 Mar-Apr;18(2):254-8.Full text  Abstract

57. Kirby EW, Wiener LE, Rajanahally S, et al. Undergoing varicocele repair before assisted reproduction improves pregnancy rate and live birth rate in azoospermic and oligospermic men with a varicocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertil Steril. 2016 Nov;106(6):1338-43. Abstract

58. Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Management of nonobstructive azoospermia: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril. 2018 Dec;110(7):1239-45.Full text  Abstract

59. Asafu-Adjei D, Judge C, Deibert CM, et al. Systematic review of the impact of varicocele grade on response to surgical management. J Urol. 2020 Jan;203(1):48-56.Full text  Abstract

60. Schlegel PN, Sigman M, Collura B, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: AUA/ASRM guideline part II. J Urol. 2021 Jan;205(1):44-51.Full text  Abstract

61. Chen X, Yang D, Lin G, et al. Efficacy of varicocelectomy in the treatment of hypogonadism in subfertile males with clinical varicocele: a meta-analysis. Andrologia. 2017 Dec;49(10). Abstract

62. Schauer I, Madersbacher S, Jost R, et al. The impact of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters: a meta-analysis. J Urol. 2012 May;187(5):1540-7. Abstract

63. Esteves SC, Miyaoka R, Roque M, et al. Outcome of varicocele repair in men with nonobstructive azoospermia: systematic review and meta-analysis. Asian J Androl. 2016 Mar-Apr;18(2):246-53.Full text  Abstract

64. Sajadi H, Hosseini J, Farrahi F, et al. Varicocelectomy may improve results for sperm retrieval and pregnancy rate in non-obstructive azoospermic men. Int J Fertil Steril. 2019 Jan;12(4):303-5.Full text  Abstract

65. Fallara G, Capogrosso P, Pozzi E, et al. The effect of varicocele treatment on fertility in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published prospective trials. Eur Urol Focus. 2023 Jan;9(1):154-61. Abstract

66. Li F, Yue H, Yamaguchi K, et al. Effect of surgical repair on testosterone production in infertile men with varicocele: a meta-analysis. Int J Urol. 2012 Feb;19(2):149-54. Abstract

67. Wang YJ, Zhang RQ, Lin YJ, et al. Relationship between varicocele and sperm DNA damage and the effect of varicocele repair: a meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online. 2012 Sep;25(3):307-14. Abstract

68. Esposito C, Valla JS, Najmaldin A, et al. Incidence and management of hydrocele following varicocele surgery in children. J Urol. 2004 Mar;171(3):1271-3. Abstract

69. Misseri R, Gershbein AB, Horowitz M, et al. The adolescent varicocele. II: the incidence of hydrocele and delayed recurrent varicocele after varicocelectomy in a long-term follow-up. BJU Int. 2001 Apr;87(6):494-8. Abstract

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