Incidence and clinical significance of arterial injury in varicocele repair

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE • This study was performed to histologically determine the rate of arterial injury in varicocele ligation surgery and to determine the clinical significance of these arterial injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS • 41 men who underwent varicocele ligation surgery, and had segments of each ligated vessel examined histologically. • The patients were followed prospectively to determine the effect of arterial injury on surgical results and clinical complications. RESULTS • Arterial ligation was identified in 6 of 41 patients (12%), and in 7 of 132 specimens (5%), which is higher than previous reports. • Arterial injury was not associated with testicular atrophy and there was no apparent effect of arterial injury on surgical outcome. CONCLUSION • The rate of arterial injury during varicocele repair is higher than previously reported, but the clinical significance of these injuries appears to be limited.