Comparison of Laparoscopic and Microscopic Subinguinal Varicocelectomy in terms of Postoperative Scrotal Pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In this study, 2 different varicocelectomy methods were compared with regard to postoperative scrotal pain, length of operation, and complications. METHODS Forty varicocele patients, who visited our clinic because of infertility or scrotal pain between 2008 and 2009, were enrolled in this clinical study. Microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy was performed on 20 patients in Group I, and laparoscopic varicocelectomy was performed on 20 patients in Group II. Following surgery, the patients were assessed for postoperative requirements for analgesia; return to normal activity; varicocele recurrence; hydrocele formation; scrotal pain at postoperative days 1, 3, and 7; and other complications. RESULTS Mean age was 24.2 +/- 3.4 years in Group I and 25.1 +/- 2.1 years in Group II. Mean pain scores at postoperative 1, 3, and 7 days in Group I were (5.20 +/- 1.14, 4.60 +/- 0.97, and 3.50 +/- 0.97, respectively) significantly higher than those of Group II (0.70 +/- 0.82, 0.60 +/- 0.84, and 0.10 +/- 0.32, respectively). Time to return to normal activity was significantly shorter in Group II (3.7 +/- 2.1 days) compared with Group I (6.8 +/- 3.4 days) (p = 0.028). However, the number of recurrences and hydroceles, as a complication of varicocelectomy, was 2 times higher in Group II (10%) than in Group I (5%). CONCLUSIONS We believe that laparoscopic varicocelectomy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure. Furthermore, reduced postoperative discomfort and earlier return to normal activity are additional advantages of this method.