Based on current available r and omized controlled trials , there is low to moderate level of evidence that radiological or surgical treatment of adolescent varicocele is associated with improved testicular size/growth and sperm concentration .
BACKGROUND The prevalence of varicoceles is as high as 15 % in children and adolescents .
Optimal management of varicoceles has not been consoli date d. Options include observation , radiological intervention , or surgical varicocelectomy .
OBJECTIVE Herein , we aim to assess the outcomes of radiological and surgical interventions for varicocele in children and adolescents evaluated by RCTs .
Effects of varicocelectomy on testis volume and semen parameters in adolescents: a randomized prospective study.
Because the treatment of a varicocele in adolescents remains controversial , we undertook a prospect i ve study in 51 male adolescents , aged 15 - 21 years , who were referred for a varicocele . Twenty-nine patients were treated with high retroperitoneal ligation of the left spermatic vein , and 22 were untreated . Eighteen healthy adolescent volunteers without a varicocele were also assessed .  Testicular volume was measured using an orchiometer , and semen analyses were carried out at referral and after 1 year of follow-up . In addition , serum luteinizing hormone ( LH ) , follicle-stimulating hormone ( FSH ) and testosterone levels were estimated by radioimmunoassay . Both patient groups had significantly smaller testis volumes than the controls at the outset . In the follow-up , the treated patients had testis volumes similar to those of the controls . Both testes increased significantly in volume after treatment . Although semen parameters were comparable in all groups initially , sperm concentration increased significantly after treatment of the varicocele . We concluded that varicocele treatment in adolescents leads to increased testis volume and a higher sperm concentration ; however , whether early treatment will improve testicular function remains to be eluci date
Based on current available r and omized controlled trials , there is low to moderate level of evidence that radiological or surgical treatment of adolescent varicocele is associated with improved testicular size/growth and sperm concentration .
BACKGROUND The prevalence of varicoceles is as high as 15 % in children and adolescents .
Optimal management of varicoceles has not been consoli date d. Options include observation , radiological intervention , or surgical varicocelectomy .
OBJECTIVE Herein , we aim to assess the outcomes of radiological and surgical interventions for varicocele in children and adolescents evaluated by RCTs .