RESUMEN
The relationship between infertility and varicocele is still a controversial topic. This study aimed to find the association between the venous blood gas (VBG) pattern of the spermatic veins and peripheral veins with varicocele grade and spermogram variables in infertile patients. A total of 47 patients with a varicocele were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were drawn simultaneously from the spermatic vein and a peripheral vein. The pH, partial pressure of oxygen, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, and bicarbonate values of these samples were analysed. The mean age of participants was 30.48 ± 6.08. The mean volume of semen was 3.92 ± 1.57 mL, and the mean semen pH was 7.88 ± 0.22. The pH was higher (p < 0.01) in the spermatic vein compared with the peripheral vein. However, level of other parameters including pO2 (p = 0.662), pCO2 (p < 0.001), HCO3 concentration of serum (p < 0.01), and base excess (p = 0.172) were lower in the spermatic vein in comparison with the peripheral vein. Correlations between VBGs determinants of the varicocele patients' spermatic vein and sperm morphology and motility were insignificant. In conclusion, although the clinical significance of VBGs is evident, there are limited studies that investigated the VBGs in varicocele patients. We should consider that the deviation in blood gases may be the missing piece in the puzzle to understand the pathophysiology of varicocele. By knowing the pathophysiology more precisely, we can better decide the ideal treatment option for the patients.
RESUMEN
Retroperitoneal masses are a rare condition that may be discovered incidentally in routine abdominal imaging. These lesions are commonly asymptomatic but may be associated with intestinal obstruction and rarely presented with acute abdomen. They may originate from the retroperitoneal organs, including the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract, or originate primarily from retroperitoneal space, such as retroperitoneal fat, muscle, nervous system, and lymphatic system. The malignant masses are more common than benign masses, and sarcoma is the most malignant tumor in this space. We present a case with the hilar lesion of the left kidney that was managed with laparoscopic resection. The laparoscopy revealed that the mass completely enclosed the left renal hilum, but the mass was excised without any complication. The final pathologic report revealed a benign mesenteric cyst. Although most of the retroperitoneal mass had a malignant etiology, in cystic lesions in the renal hilar area, the benign mesenteric cyst may keep in mind the differential diagnosis of a mass in this anatomic region.