Retrospective Analysis of Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy in Pediatric Patients: Impact of Lymphatic-Sparing Techniques and Methylene Blue on Outcomes—A Series of Cases
<b>Objective</b>: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV) in pediatric and adolescent patients, comparing lymphatic-sparing (LS) and non-lymphatic-sparing (NLS) techniques, with a particular focus on the postoperative effects of methylene blue dye. <b>Methods</b>: A retrospective review was conducted for patients with Grade 3 left-sided varicocele who underwent LV between 2010 and 2023. Patients were grouped according to whether lymphatic-sparing techniques were used. Testicular volumes were measured pre- and postoperatively by ultrasonography. Surgical complications including hydrocele, recurrence, and intratesticular calcification were recorded. Statistical comparisons were made between the two groups. <b>Results</b>: A total of 21 patients with a median age of 15 years were included. LS suvrgery was performed in seven patients (33.3%), and arterial sparing in four (19%). Methylene blue was used to identify lymphatic vessels in the LS group. Postoperative hydrocele was observed in three patients (14.3%) and occurred equally in both groups. However, testicular calcification was detected only in the LS group and was significantly more common compared to the NLS group (<i>p</i> = 0.002). Recurrence rates were not significantly different between groups (<i>p</i> = 0.694). No cases of testicular atrophy were observed. The median follow-up duration was 6 years in the NLS group and 3 years in the LS group (<i>p</i> = 0.026). <b>Conclusions</b>: Lymphatic-sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy appears effective in preserving testicular volume, but the use of intratesticular methylene blue is associated with a higher incidence of calcification. These findings highlight the need for caution and further long-term evaluation of vital dyes in pediatric varicocelectomy.
Authors
- Çiğdem Ulukaya Durakbaşa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6474-3407)
- Arzu Canmemiş (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2049-4549)
- Meltem Çağlar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4706-6384)
Institutions
- Göztepe Şafak Hastanesi (TR)
- Istanbul Medeniyet University (TR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2025-05-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113814
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Sperm and Testicular Function
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.70