Experience with Varicoceles in Children and Young Adults

Abstract

Conclusions Varicoceles can be found in boys as young as 5 years and left testicular growth arrest as early as 9 years. As left testicular growth arrest can develop if not present initially, these boys must be followed with serial testicular measurements before and after puberty until late adolescence. Microscopic inguinal ligation results in complete resolution of the varicocele in almost 90% of patients with no complicating hydroceles. Left testicular catch-up growth can be expected in more than 80% of patients at any age.