The Efficacy, Safety and Effectiveness of the Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy: Comparative Study of 2 Trocars and 3 Trocars

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Varicocelectomy can be accomplished using a variety of approaches, including retroperitoneal, transinguinal, subinguinal or scrotal approach and there are advantage and disadvatage, respectively. The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and effect of the laparoscopic varicocelectomy and compare 2 trocars laparoscopic technique with 3 trocars. METHODS: Between March 2003 and December 2007, 46 patients with varicocele were treated using 3 trocars (group A) or 2 trocars (group B) laparoscopic varicocelectomy. Data regarding operative time, time of vein ligation, hospital stay, recurrence rate and complications of each procedure were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients 39 with left side varicocele constituted the population of the present study; the others, with bilateral varicocele, were excluded. No significant differences were found in terms of mean operative time, mean time of vein ligation, mean hospital stay and morbidity between group A and B. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic varicocelectomy is feasible, safety and effective surgical technique. Compared with 3 trocars, 2 trocars laparoscopic varicocelctomy results in similar operative and postoperative outcomes. In addition, it is cost-effective and cosmetic.