Hydrocele: A Frequently Overlooked Complication after High Ligation of the Spermatic Vein for Varicocele

Abstract

In a series of 114 operations for varicocele using the high ligation technique, the authors noticed hydrocele formation on the ipsilateral side in 7% of cases. Hydrocele therefore is considered a frequent complication which may be due to damage caused by the ligature of the lymphatic vessels running together with the spermatic vein. Since hydrocele formation may impair the recovery of spermatogenesis after varicocelectomy, the operation should involve as little trauma as possible and the tissues around the veins should be spared. However a higher frequency of recurrent varicocele may be a possible consequence of such a surgical approach.