Varicocele

Question 1

Physiology of Venous Drainage of Testis.

Answer 1

Pampiniform Plexus - found in spermatic cord, drains into testicular vein and regulates temperature of blood entering testes by absorbing heat from the testicular artery.

Question 2

Aetiology of Varicocele (2).

Answer 2

Increased Resistance in Testicular Vein :-

1. Incompetent Valves in Testicular Vein.
2. Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Question 3

Clinical Features of Varicocele (3).

Answer 3

1. Throbbing/Dull Pain or Discomfort - exacerbated by standing.
2. Bag of Warms - prominent on standing.
3. Asymmetry in Size - growth is affected.

Question 4

Investigations of Varicocele (3).

Answer 4

1. US with Doppler Imaging - diagnostic.
2. Semen Analysis.
3. Hormonal Tests.

Question 5

Management of Varicocele (2).

Answer 5

1. Uncomplicated - Conservative.

2. Pain, Atrophy, Infertility - Surgery or Endovascular Embolisation.