Improved handling of varicous cord structures in laparoscopic varix ligation

Summary An experimental and clinical study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness and modalities of papaverin in laparoscopic varix ligation. During the experimental phase of the study six varix ligations were performed in three male pigs to test the different application methods such as puncture needles, single ureter catheters and a laparoscopic cholangiography to apply papaverin medication following preparation of the spermatic cord vessels. The clinical trial has now performed 22 varix ligations on 21 men by means of a cholangiography set. Papaverin application has been found to be more effective and safer than any other method: accurate identification of the arteria spermatica is ensured and the danger of idiopathic destruction or clipping by fault is minimized.