Urology
Summary
Varicocele is associated with time dependent testicular growth arrest.
Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility.
In adolescent males, varicocele is usually asymptomatic, found on the left side, and diagnosed during routine physical examination.
A greater than 15 to 20 percent volume differential between the two testicles, the left smaller than the right, is the best indicator of testicular damage and is often used as an indication for surgical repair in the adolescent varicocele.
Varicocele repair can reverse growth arrest in the adolescent and may protect fertility potential in the future.
Other tools for evaluating varicoceles include velocity measurements of retrograde flow, a measurement that can be obtained by Doppler at the time of ultrasound exam, in an effort to identify specific indicators of persistent or new onset testicular hypotrophy.
