Varicocele

OVERVIEW

Varicocele refers to a vascular leison that is characterized by the dilation of gonadal veins the scrotum.

Source
Source
WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Initial Presentation

  • Dragging sensation in testicles

Physical Exam:

  • “Bag of worms” feeling in scrotum (above testicle)
  • No transillumination
  • Increase in size drive Valsalva/standing
  • Decrease in size during laying down
CLINICAL WORKUP:IMAGING

Testicular ultrasound:

  • Retrograde venous flow
  • Tortuous anechoic tubules adjacent to the testis
  • Dilation fo pampiniform plexus veins
WHAT ELSE ARE WE WORRIED ABOUT?

Infertility: this condition can lead to infertility in males.

HOW DO WE TREAT IT?

Gonadal vein ligation: for boys an young men with testicular atrophy (who wish to father children int he future)

Scrotal support & NSAIDs: older men who do not desire additional children

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 11.08.2016