Guest guest Posted September 22, 2004 Report Share Posted September 22, 2004 Dear Ayurvedic Doctors and friends....! I am from Saudia Arabia. One of my friend told me that he have vericocele. But I dont know what is that.... Anybody can explain me what is it, its symptoms, its dangerous effects, its curable methods in Ayurvedics,etc...... Expecting for your valuable advice. Thank you...... Ashiq Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 26, 2004 Report Share Posted September 26, 2004 hello , I have just posted this article which i copied from the internet It might give some information and help pl read below: Varicocele Last Updated: July 20, 2004 Synonyms and related keywords: varicoceles, scrotal varicocele, varicocelectomy, pampinocele, pampiniform venous plexus, spermatic vein, arrest of sperm secretion, male fertility, male infertility, low sperm count, poor sperm function, dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus, testicular vein, antireflux valve, spermatogonia, Valsalva maneuver, sperm production, sperm function, testicular pain, scrotal pain, testicular swelling, scrotal swelling, spermatogenesis, infertility, fertility treatment, male factor infertility, infertility treatment AUTHOR INFORMATION Section 1 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography Author: Edward David Kim, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Tennessee School of Medicine Edward David Kim, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, American Society of Andrology, American Urological Association, Illinois State Medical Society, and Texas Medical Association Editor(s): Gamal Mostafa Ghoniem, MD, FACS, Fellowship Program, Clinical Professor of Surgery, Head, Section of Voiding Dysfunction, Female Urology and Reconstruction, Cleveland Clinic Florida; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, Pharmacy, eMedicine; Mark Jeffrey Noble, MD, Consulting Staff, Urologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; J Stuart Wolf, Jr, MD, Director of Michigan Center for Minimally Invasive Urology, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical Center; and Stephen W Leslie, MD, FACS, Founder and Medical, Lorain Kidney Stone Research Center, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Medical College of Ohio INTRODUCTION Section 2 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography A varicocele is a dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus and the internal spermatic vein. Varicocele is a well-recognized cause of decreased testicular function and occurs in approximately 15-20% of all males and in 40% of infertile males. Understanding the significance of this anatomic abnormality in the infertile patient requires a brief review of the history, background, and current concepts of functional anatomy, as well as the methods and results of surgical repair. History of the Procedure: Varicocele was first recognized as a clinical problem in the 16th century. Ambroïse Paré (1500–1590), the most celebrated surgeon of the Renaissance, described this vascular abnormality as the result of melancholic blood. Barfield, a British surgeon, first proposed the relationship between infertility and varicocele in the late 19th century. Shortly thereafter, other surgeons reported an association of varicocele with an arrest of sperm secretion and the subsequent restoration of fertility following repair. Through the early 1900s, reports by other surgeons continued to describe the association of varicocele with infertility. In the 1950s, after a report of fertility following varicocele repair in an individual known to be azoospermic (ie, without sperm), the idea of surgically correcting varicoceles as a clinical approach to certain kinds of male infertility gained support among American surgeons. Research continued, which led to many published studies that associated varicoceles with impaired semen quality. In these studies, researchers documented a recurrent pattern of low sperm count, poor motility, and predominance of abnormal sperm forms; this became known as the stress pattern of semen. Although not synonymous or specific for varicocele, the term suggests early evidence of testicular damage. Urologists then began to evaluate male infertility through the study of sperm, which are evaluated for their number (sperm count), percentage of motile forms, forward movement or motility, and morphology (shape or form), and semen. Problem: A varicocele is a dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus within the scrotum. Varicoceles may be present in 15-20% of the normal fertile male population; however, 40% of infertile men may have them. How a varicocele impairs sperm structure, function, and production is unknown, but researchers believe it interferes with testicular thermoregulation. Frequency: Although varicoceles appear in approximately 20% of the general male population, they occur significantly more often in the subfertile population (40%). In fact, scrotal varicoceles are the most common cause of poor sperm production and decreased semen quality. Varicoceles are easy to identify, and they are easy to surgically correct. Etiology: Varicoceles are much more common (~80-90%) in the left testicle than in the right because of several anatomic factors, including (1) the angle at which the left testicular vein enters the left renal vein, (2) the lack of effective antireflux valves at the juncture of the testicular vein and renal vein, and (3) the increased renal vein pressure due to its compression between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta (ie, nutcracker effect). Also of importance is that a one-sided varicocele can often affect the opposite testicle. Varicoceles vary in size and can be classified into the following 3 groups: Large - Easily identified by inspection alone Moderate - Identified by palpation without bearing down (Valsalva maneuver) Small - Identified only by bearing down, which increases intra- abdominal pressure, thus impeding drainage and increasing varicocele size Pathophysiology: Several theories have been proposed to explain the harmful effect of varicoceles on sperm quality, including the possible effects of pressure, oxygen deprivation, heat injury, and toxins. Despite considerable research, none of the theories has been proved unquestionably, although an elevated heat effect caused by impaired circulation appears to be the most reproducible defect. Supporting this hypothesis is the fact that a varicocele created in an experimental animal led to poor sperm function with elevated intratesticular temperature. Regardless of the mechanism of action, a varicocele is indisputably a significant factor in decreasing testicular function and in reducing semen quality in a large percentage of men seeking infertility treatment. Clinical: A patient with a varicocele is usually asymptomatic and often seeks care for an evaluation of his role in a couple experiencing infertility. Sometimes, he also may report scrotal pain or heaviness. Careful physical examination remains the primary method of varicocele detection. An obvious varicocele is often described as feeling like a bag of worms. INDICATIONS Section 3 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography The results of treating varicoceles in adolescents are not as clear as the results of treating varicoceles in adults. Although varicoceles first become apparent in adolescence, their natural history and its timeline for the onset of detrimental effects on testicular function remain unclear. Varicoceles occur in approximately 10-15% of the fertile male population, but not all varicoceles impair sperm function, overall semen quality, or fertility. Important determinations to be made regarding varicoceles in adolescents are whether (1) the varicocele is a progressive lesion and (2) early repair of the varicocele prevents the development of infertility. In 1977, Lipshultz and Corriere suggested that varicoceles were associated with testicular atrophy that was progressive with age. They also observed that testicular biopsy specimens taken from prepubertal boys with varicoceles already revealed histologic abnormalities. In 1987, Kass and Belman were the first to demonstrate a significant increase in testicular volume after varicocele repair in adolescents. Although Kass and Belman noted catch-up growth, they did not study semen parameters. Collecting a semen sample from an adolescent is not always easy; consequently, studying the effects of a varicocele and the benefits of treatment is difficult. The indications for repairing varicoceles in adolescents include the presence of significant testicular asymmetry (>20%) demonstrated on serial examinations, testicular pain, and abnormal semen analysis results. Very large varicoceles also may be repaired; however, in the absence of atrophy, this indication is relative and controversial. RELEVANT ANATOMY AND CONTRAINDICATIONS Section 4 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography Relevant Anatomy: The testes are the paired male genital organs that contain sperm, cells that produce and nourish sperm (spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, respectively), and cells that produce testosterone (Leydig cells). The testes are located in a sac called the scrotum. The epididymis is a small, tubular structure attached to the testes that serves as a storage reservoir wherein sperm mature. Sperm travel through the vas deferens, which connects the epididymis to the prostate gland. The vas deferens is in the scrotum and is part of a larger tissue bundle called the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord contains the vas deferens, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic channels. The pampiniform plexus is composed of the veins of the spermatic cord. These veins drain blood from the testes, epididymis, and vas deferens and eventually become the spermatic veins that drain into the main circulation of the kidneys. The pampiniform venous plexus may become tortuous and dilated, much like a varicose vein in the leg. In fact, a scrotal varicocele is simply a varicose enlargement of the pampiniform plexus above and around the testicle. Two other veins, the cremasteric and the deferential, also drain blood from the testicles; however, they are rarely involved in the varicocele process. Image 1 illustrates the basic anatomy. Contraindications: Opinions vary regarding the value of repairing subclinical varicoceles in infertile men, but most experts do not recommend it. Quick Find Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography Click for related images. Continuing Education CME available for this topic. Click here to take this CME. Patient Education Men's Health Center Testicular Pain Overview Testicular Pain Causes Testicular Pain Symptoms Testicular Pain Treatment Understanding the Male Anatomy WORKUP Section 5 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography Lab Studies: When the clinical examination findings are equivocal, high-resolution color-flow Doppler ultrasonography is the diagnostic method of choice. If a patient has sudden onset of a varicocele, a single right- sided varicocele, or any varicocele that is not reducible in the supine position, consider possible retroperitoneal pathology (eg, renal cell carcinoma) as the cause of spermatic vein compression. Investigate further with appropriate ultrasound or CT scans before repairing the varicocele. Although varicocele diagnosis may be assisted using a number of methods (eg, venography, radionuclide angiography, thermography, ultrasonography), the current standard of care is high-resolution color-flow Doppler ultrasonography. High-resolution real-time scrotal ultrasonography using a 7- to 10-MHz probe defines a varicocele as a hollow tubular structure that increases in size following a Valsalva maneuver. Color-flow Doppler ultrasonography defines the anatomic and physiologic aspects of varicoceles by using real-time ultrasonography and pulsed Doppler in the same scan. The color of the signal identifies the blood flow and direction within the varicocele. The characteristic reverse flow of varicoceles is confirmed by prolonged flow augmentation within a colored flow area; the flow changes color (ie, reverses) on real-time imaging. Although the exact size definition is controversial, most surgeons consider a varicocele to be a vein 3 mm in diameter or larger while the patient is at rest. McClure et al define a varicocele as the presence of 3 or more veins, with 1 having a minimum resting diameter of 3 mm or an increase in venous diameter with the Valsalva maneuver. Because other surgeons use 2-3 mm as a cutoff, comparing results of these ultrasound-based varicocelectomy studies is difficult. TREATMENT Section 6 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography Medical therapy: A varicocele is an anatomic abnormality that can impair sperm production and function. No effective medical treatments for varicoceles have been identified. While some investigators are evaluating the role of antioxidants for the treatment of elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, this treatment approach is still experimental. Surgical therapy: The primary form of treatment for varicoceles is surgery. Because of the potential to cause significant testicular damage, evaluate the varicocele during the physical examination. The presence of a varicocele does not mean surgical correction is necessary. Reasons for surgical correction of a diagnosed variocele include relieving significant testicular discomfort or pain not responsive to routine symptomatic treatment, reducing testicular atrophy (volume <20 mL, length <4 cm), and addressing the possible contribution to unexplained male infertility. A varicocele may cause progressive damage to the testes, resulting in further atrophy and impairment of seminal parameters. A scrotal varicocele is the most correctable factor in a male with poor semen quality; therefore, seriously consider surgical correction in an infertile male with abnormal semen quality. Preoperative details: Perform varicocele surgery in an outpatient setting using one of a variety of anesthetics (eg, general, regional, local). A general anesthetic provides maximal patient comfort. Intraoperative details: The 3 common surgical approaches to correct a scrotal varicocele are transinguinal (groin), retroperitoneal (abdominal), and infrainguinal/infrapubic (below the groin). The preferred technique is the transinguinal approach using optical magnification (with loupes or an operating microscope) to ensure precise identification of all contributory veins and testicular arteries. With all 3 approaches, all abnormal veins are tied permanently to prevent continued abnormal blood flow (see Image 2). Avoid the vas deferens and the testicular artery during the surgery. Use the retroperitoneal or infrapubic approach in patients who have already had an attempted varicocele or hernia repair, which may have caused considerable scarring in the groin. These 2 approaches also may be used in patients who have not had attempted repairs. Two approaches used less commonly are the percutaneous transvenous and the laparoscopic routes. An interventional radiologist may perform the percutaneous transvenous route, but, because of potentially greater risks, this approach is reserved for patients with recurrent varicoceles. Similarly, the laparoscopic route has potential risks and few benefits over the transinguinal approach. Postoperative details: Patient instructions Varicocele surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting (ie, day-surgery unit). Patients may return to normal, nonstrenuous activities (eg, work) after 2 days. All outer dressings are removed 48 hours after surgery. The small strips of tape (Steri-Strips) are left in place for 7-10 days before removal. Inform patients that bathing or showering is permitted 48 hours after surgery. A normal, well-balanced diet can be resumed when patients return home. Advise patients to start with fluids and gradually return to solid foods. Prescribe pain medication and advise patients to take as directed. After 2 days, patients may take nonprescription acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (eg, Advil, Motrin) to relieve discomfort. Patients can engage in normal, nonstrenuous activity when they feel up to it. If activity causes discomfort, it should be discontinued. Patients can resume more strenuous activities (eg, weightlifting, jogging) after 2 weeks. Advise patients to refrain from intercourse for 1 week. Common discomforts and symptoms that do not require medical attention Patients may experience some postoperative discomfort. Complications are rare. Common discomforts or symptoms do not require a doctor's attention and may include the following: Minor bruising and slight discoloration may appear around the groin incisions but are self-limited. The sensation of hardness around and beneath the incision site resolves in approximately 3 weeks. The slight redness and tenderness around the incision from the normal healing process resolves in a few days. A very small amount of thin, clear, pinkish fluid drains from the incision for a few days after the procedure. Advise patients to keep the area clean and dry. A sore throat, headache, nausea, constipation, and general body ache occur because of the surgical procedure and anesthetic. Advise patients that these problems resolve within 24 hours. Postoperative complications that require prompt medical attention If wounds become infected (3-5 d after surgery usually), antibiotics may be necessary. Wounds can become warm, swollen, red, and painful, with significant drainage from the incision site, and patients may develop fever. Hematomas may form. Extreme discoloration around the abdominal incisions results from bleeding underneath the skin, which causes throbbing pain and bulging wounds. Follow-up care: Check the patient's semen 3-4 months after surgery. Because spermatogenesis requires approximately 72 days, any effects from the varicocele repair on semen analysis results are delayed. Patient instructions The patient returns to the clinical office for a wound evaluation in approximately 7-10 days. Schedule a follow-up examination for a wound check and varicocele examination for 8 weeks after surgery. Schedule a semen analysis and consultation for 4 months after surgery. At this time, the timing of subsequent appointments can be discussed. For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Men's Health Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Understanding the Male Anatomy and Testicular Pain. COMPLICATIONS Section 7 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography The prevalence of adverse effects following varicocele repair is remarkably low. Hydrocele or increased fluid around the testicles occurs in 2-5%. Successful surgery often increases conception rates in infertile couples. The overall recurrence rate for varicoceles has been reported as high as 10%. Although unproved, a varicocele may represent a progressive lesion that can have detrimental effects on testicular function. An untreated varicocele, especially when large, may cause long-term deterioration in sperm production and even testosterone production. If varicoceles are present bilaterally in an infertile male, repair both to improve sperm quality. In a patient in whom a varicocele is first identified during a vasectomy reversal, do not perform the varicocelectomy at the time of the vasectomy reversal. Delaying the varicocelectomy preserves some venous return in these patients and avoids possible injury to the testicular artery. If necessary, repair the varicocele 6 months later, after new vascular channels form. OUTCOME AND PROGNOSIS Section 8 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography Following varicocelectomy, approximately 66-70% of patients have improved bulk semen parameters and 40-60% of patients have increased conception rates. Because human spermatogenesis takes approximately 72 days, the first improvements in semen analysis results typically are not apparent until 3-4 months after surgery. While many of the studies are retrospective, a randomized, prospective, controlled study by Magdar and associates confirmed that varicocelectomy is an effective treatment for male subfertility. Magdar et al studied male counterparts in couples in 2 subject groups, groups A and B. Group A (20 male subjects with varicoceles) was studied for 1 year, and only 2 (10%) men initiated a pregnancy. Those male subjects who could not initiate a pregnancy then had varicocele repairs; within 2 years, 12 (66%) were successful in initiating a pregnancy. Meanwhile, 25 male subjects in group B had varicocele repairs immediately. Within the first year, 15 (60%) initiated a pregnancy. After 3 years, pregnancy was achieved in an additional 4 (16%) subjects. Semen parameters improved in all subjects who underwent varicocele repair, regardless of pregnancy occurrence. Semen parameters were unchanged for those group A subjects during their 1 year of observation. This important study concluded that varicoceles are associated with reduced fertility and impaired testicular function, while repair improves sperm parameters and fertility rates. In addition, Vasquez-Levin et al recently demonstrated that varicocele repair benefits sperm morphology, even when evaluated by so-called strict criteria. FUTURE AND CONTROVERSIES Section 9 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography In 1992, researchers introduced a new micromanipulation technique known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). With ICSI, surgeons inject a single spermatozoon into an oocyte to initiate fertilization and, eventually, a pregnancy. With the success of this technique, some researchers question the need for varicocele repair. Conversely, a cost-analysis study by Schlegel shows the significant cost advantage of varicocele repair over ICSI. In addition, varicocele repair has the potential for improving the male factor, rather than using unknown sperm. ICSI also involves in vitro fertilization, which carries some risk for the female who donates surgically removed eggs. Another current topic focuses on the benefit of varicocele repair in men who are azoospermic or severely oligospermic. A study indicates that varicocele repair is somewhat beneficial, even for men with this severe spermatogenic impairment. Other concerns focus on the benefit of varicocele repair in infertile men with poor semen quality who have only ultrasound evidence of a varicocele. While opinions differ about the value of repairing subclinical varicoceles in infertile men, most experts do not recommend it. PICTURES Section 10 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography Caption: Picture 1. A large varicocele is seen through the scrotal skin. In a patient with a varicocele, the dilated vessels of the pampiniform plexus are easily appreciated within the scrotum. View Full Size Image eMedicine Zoom View (Interactive!) Picture Type: Image Caption: Picture 2. Incision for an inguinal approach to varicocele repair. View Full Size Image eMedicine Zoom View (Interactive!) Picture Type: Photo BIBLIOGRAPHY Section 11 of 11 Author Information Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography Goldstein M, Gilbert BR, Dicker AP, et al: Microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy with delivery of the testis: an artery and lymphatic sparing technique. J Urol 1992 Dec; 148(6): 1808-11[Medline]. Kass EJ, Belman AB: Reversal of testicular growth failure by varicocele ligation. J Urol 1987 Mar; 137(3): 475-6[Medline]. Kim ED, Leibman BB, Grinblat DM, Lipshultz LI: Varicocele repair improves semen parameters in azoospermic men with spermatogenic failure. J Urol 1999 Sep; 162(3 Pt 1): 737-40[Medline]. Lipshultz LI, Corriere JN Jr: Progressive testicular atrophy in the varicocele patient. J Urol 1977 Feb; 117(2): 175-6[Medline]. Madgar I, Weissenberg R, Lunenfeld B, et al: Controlled trial of high spermatic vein ligation for varicocele in infertile men. Fertil Steril 1995 Jan; 63(1): 120-4[Medline]. Marks JL, McMahon R, Lipshultz LI: Predictive parameters of successful varicocele repair. J Urol 1986 Sep; 136(3): 609-12 [Medline]. Marmar JL, Kim Y: Subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy: a technical critique and statistical analysis of semen and pregnancy data. J Urol 1994 Oct; 152(4): 1127-32[Medline]. McClure RD, Khoo D, Jarvi K, Hricak H: Subclinical varicocele: the effectiveness of varicocelectomy. J Urol 1991 Apr; 145(4): 789-91 [Medline]. Rigano E, Santoro G, Impellizzeri P, et al: Varicocele and sport in the adolescent age. Preliminary report on the effects of physical training. J Endocrinol Invest 2004 Feb; 27(2): 130-2[Medline]. Sawczuk IH, Hensle TW, Burbige KA, Nagler HM: Varicoceles: Effect on testicular volume in prepubertal and pubertal males. Urology 1993; 41: 466-468[Medline]. Schlegel PN: Is assisted reproduction the optimal treatment for varicocele-associated male infertility? A cost effective analysis. Urology 1997; 49: 83-90[Medline]. Steckel J, Dicker AP, Goldstein M: Relationship between varicocele size and response to varicocelectomy. J Urol 1993 Apr; 149(4): 769-71 [Medline]. Vazquez-Levin MH, Friedmann P, Goldberg SI, et al: Response of routine semen analysis and critical assessment of sperm morphology by Kruger classification to therapeutic varicocelectomy. J Urol 1997 Nov; 158(5): 1804-7[Medline]. Wang C, McDonald V, Leung A, et al: Effect of increased scrotal temperature on sperm production in normal men. Fertility and Sterility 1997; 68: 334-339[Medline]. Witt MA, Lipshultz LI: Varicocele: a progressive or static lesion? Urology 1993 Nov; 42(5): 541-3[Medline]. ayurveda, "ashiq_mon" <ashiq_mon> wrote: > Dear Ayurvedic Doctors and friends....! > > I am from Saudia Arabia. One of my friend told me that he have > vericocele. But I dont know what is that.... > > Anybody can explain me what is it, its symptoms, its dangerous > effects, its curable methods in Ayurvedics,etc...... > > Expecting for your valuable advice. > > > Thank you...... > > > Ashiq Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.