DAY CASE MANAGEMENT OF VARICOCELE

Management of Varicocele

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of treatment of varicocele by low ligation under local anaesthesia and to establish the low ligation as a mode of treatment for early mobilization of the patient and early return to work.

Design: Descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi from June 2002 to Dec 2002.

Subjects and Method: This study included 50 patients with varicocele irrespective of their age treated by low ligation under local anaesthesia in day case settings and were followed for 3 months.

Results: The results of the procedure on the symptoms were quite satisfactory. Post operatively complications were seen in only 8 (16%) patients. Post operative hematoma formation occurred in only 1 (2%) patient, wound infection in 2 (4%) patients, transient pain at the site of operation was present in 2 (4%) patients, transient hydrocele developed in 1 (2%) patient, permanent hydrocele developed in 1 (2%) patient, in 1 (2%) of the patient the dilated veins persisted after the operation even at 3 month follow up.

Conclusion: This study concludes that low ligation of varicocele as day case surgery is a very useful day case procedure in the treatment of varicocele that can be very safely carried out under local anaesthesia with a very high healing rate and minimal complications.