[Laparoscopic treatment of varicocele]. / Tratamiento del varicocele por laparoscopia.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Current trends in the treatment of varicocele are focused on outpatient procedures of high and complete ligature of the spermatic vascular pedicle or percutaneous embolization. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy competes with them and other minimally invasive techniques such as chemical or thermal sclerosing therapy of the spermatic veins. METHODS: We perform a bibliographic review of the Spanish and Anglo-Saxon literature with the aim of evaluating the real weight of the laparoscopic technique, and at the same time show our personal experience. RESULTS: We found 8 papers in Spanish and 187 in English. Although the interest for laparoscopic varicocelectomy among Spanish urologists is very low, in other countries there is moderate interest for it, being in competition, though in disadvantage, with other outpatient minimally invasive techniques performed under local or regional anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Microlaparoscopy improves the overall position of this technique, mainly in cases of bilateral varicocele whenever an "en bloc" ligature of the spermatic artery and vein is performed.