Thromboses of the pampiniform plexi after subinguinal varicocelectomy

Purpose: To present the Authors' experience with spermatic vein thrombosis after varicocelectomy. Materials and methods: The medical charts of patients treated for varicocele at the Authors' Institution between January 2008 and January 2013 were reviewed; inclusion and exclusion criteria were created. Data were analyzed focusing on the clinical diagnosis of spermatic vein thrombosis after varicocelectomy performed using two different techniques. Results: After revision of the medical charts and in compliance with the inclusion criteria previously established, 188 patients underwent varicocelectomy: 112 with laparoscopic technique and 76 patients with subinguinal technique. A total of five cases of spermatic vein thrombosis (2.6 %) were diagnosed between 6 and 12 days after surgery. All these patients had received the subinguinal technique (6.5 %). All the patients were managed conservatively. Discussion: Spermatic vein thrombosis after surgery is a rare complication but its onset should be considered as a possible event in patients with inguinal and scrotal pain. To manage this condition after diagnosis surgeons may opt for a surgical or clinical approach, either with drugs or local heat, rest and scrotal support.