Background/Aims: The hydrocele rate is very low after microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy, but microsurgical expertise is not always available in pediatric centers. We describe a modified technique to reduce the hydrocele rate after subinguinal varicocelectomy performed without an operating microscope. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 142 non-microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomies performed at a single pediatric center. In 96 patients, varicocelectomy was combined with the excision and eversion of the tunica vaginalis (‘pre-emptive hydrocelectomy’) while in the remaining 46 cases the vaginalis was left untouched. Results: Pre-emptive hydrocelectomy allowed a significant reduction in the hydrocele rate in comparison to cases in whom the vaginalis was left untouched, hydrocele rate 4.3 vs. 13% (p = 0.04). In patients undergoing preemptive hydrocelectomy, hydrocele occurred in 3 of 54 (5.5%) cases in whom the vaginalis was only excised and only 1 of 42 (2.4%) in whom it was also everted. No testicular complications were observed. Conclusions: In centers performing subinguinal varicocelectomy without the aid of an operating microscope, preemptive hydrocelectomy with eversion of the vaginalis might be offered as an adjunctive treatment with limited associated morbidity that might be able to reduce the incidence of postoperative hydrocele.

Keywords:
Varicocele, Subinguinal varicocelectomy, Surgery complications, Hydrocele, children
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© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
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