ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the postoperative complications of microscopic and conventional Palomo varicocelectomy in the treatment of varicocele in army personnel.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 260 army personnel with varicocele were randomized to receive microscopic varicocelectomy (group A, n=130) and conventional Palomo varicocelectomy (group B, n=130). The postoperative recurrence and complications (scrotal edema, testicular pain and testicular atrophy) were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 1 year of follow-up, the recurrence rates in groups A and B were statistically comparable (5.3% vs 3.8%, P>0.05). The incidences of testicular atrophy and scrotal edema were significantly lower in group A than in group B (0.7% vs 3.1%, P<0.05; 3.1% vs 14.6%, P<0.05), and the rate of testicular pain relief was significantly higher in group A (90.7% vs 67.7%, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Microscopic varicocelectomy can be a good choice in the treatment of varicocele in army personnel.</p>