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Recurrent Grade 2/3 Varicocele After Microsurgical Varicocelectomy and Abnormal Semen Parameters in a Couple Attempting Conception for >3 Years

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Abstract

This book chapter is about the clinical scenario of a recurrent grade 2 or 3 varicocele after microsurgical varicocelectomy and abnormal semen parameters in a couple attempting conception for more than 3 years. This case scenario highlights a possible critical role for the internal spermatic vein reflux or a left-to-right venous communication system, situated superficially as well as in the deep drainage system. Inguinal and subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy is the optimal management of varicocele mainly because it had the best outcomes with significant increase in semen parameters, the highest pregnancy rates with low rates of complication, including recurrence. The overall recurrence rate of microsurgical approach, including subinguinal and inguinal techniques, varies from 0% to 3.57%. Few studies evaluating the treatment of recurrent grade 2 or 3 varicocele after microsurgery are available, and they are usually uncontrolled, just representing a small part of a heterogeneous population. Based on the best evidence available, choosing an optimal method for treatment of proposed scenario is not possible, and randomized controlled trials must be done to clarify these questions. Therefore, author’s suggestion is to redo microsurgical varicocelectomy, using an intraoperative Doppler ultrasound, with an incision as low as possible.

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Correspondence to Jorge Hallak .

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Hallak, J., Brunhara, J.A., Teixeira, T.A. (2019). Recurrent Grade 2/3 Varicocele After Microsurgical Varicocelectomy and Abnormal Semen Parameters in a Couple Attempting Conception for >3 Years. In: Esteves, S., Cho, CL., Majzoub, A., Agarwal, A. (eds) Varicocele and Male Infertility. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-79102-9_53

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-79102-9_53

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-79101-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-79102-9

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