A Clinical Study on Microsurgical Denervation of Spermatic Cord for Refractory Chronic Orchialgia

Abstract

Objectives: Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) is a treatment option for chronic orchialgia (CO) refractory to conservative treatment. Studies showed specific nerve fibers as the possible cause of CO. We aimed to present the outcomes of ligation of these nerves using targeted MDSC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 30 cases who underwent targeted MDSC from August 2014 to February 2018. Patients included were under strict criteria. Pain was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using a subjective visual analog scale (VAS) and objectively with the standardized and validated Pain Impact Questionnaire-6 (PIQ-6) score. Results: Data were available on 28 cases at repercussion. During a median follow-up of 12 months (range 10–29), 25 cases (89.2%) showed a significant reduction in pain and 3 (9.8%) had no change in pain by subjective VAS scoring. Of cases with a significant reduction in pain, 15 (53.5%) had complete resolution and 19 (67.9%) had a 50% or greater reduction. Objective PIQ-6 analysis showed a significant reduction in pain in 78.6% of patients at 6 months postoperatively, in 82.1% at 1 year, in 82.1% at 2 years. Conclusions: Targeted MDSC is an effective, minimally invasive approach with potential long-term durability in patients with refractory CO.