The application of transumbilica single-port laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of bilateral varicocele

Objective To explore the clinical value of transumbilica single-port laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of bilateral varicocele.Methods From Jan. 2010 to Sep. 2010,42 patients with bilateral varicocele underwent laparoscopic high ligation of bilateral spermatic vein.Of these patients,20 were treated with transumbilica single-port laparoscopic surgery,22 with traditional laparoscopic surgery.The two groups of patients were compared for the parameters such as intraoperative blood loss,testicular artery preservation,operating time,time of activities after surgery,time of intestinal function recovery and hospitalization duration.The semen quality 1 year after the surgery was compared with that before treatment.At the out-patient re-examination at 1,3,6months and 1 year after the surgery,the incision,scrotum,spermatic cord,testis were checked for possible complications.The relief of discomfortness in the scrotum was also followed up.Results Both operation procedures were successful,without severe complications.In the single-port laparoscopic surgery produced blood lose ( [ 5 ± 1 ] ml vs.[ 5 ± 1 ] ml,t =- 0.452,P ＞ 0.05 ),the operating time ( [ 41 ± 7 ] min vs.[ 39 ± 3 ] min,t =0.686,P ＞ 0.05 ),postoperative intestinal function recovery time ( [ 11 + 1 ] h vs.[ 11 + 2 ] h,t =- 1.631,P ＞0.05 ) and postoperative hospital stay ( [ 3.1 + 0.7 ] d vs.[ 3.4 + 0.7 ] d,t =- 1.447,P ＞ 0.05 ) which were all comparable to that from conventional laparoscopic surgery.There was significant difference in the population using analgesics,single-port laparoscopic surgery vs.conventional laparoscopic surgery ( 1 case [ 5.0％ ] vs 7case [ 31.8％ ].The difference was statistically significant (x2 =4.886,P ＜ 0.05 ).The single-port laparoscopic surgery produced neglectable scar at the incision.All of the patients were questionaired for their satisfaction with the incision 1 year after the surgery.The difference was statistically significant (x2 =7.636,P ＜ 0.01 )Conclusion Single-port laparoscopic high ligation of bilateral spermatic vein produces comparable outcomes to that of conventional laparoscopic surgery,but it is a more microinvasive procedure producing good aesthetic appearance,representing the trend of laparoscopic technique. Key words: Bilateral varicocelectomy;  Single-port laparoscopic surgery;  High ligation of spermatic vein