What is varicocele

Varicose veins are a relatively common male disease. They are very harmful to male reproductive health and often lead to male infertility. The main cause of varicose veins is obstruction of venous return, which can cause endocrine dysfunction in the testicles and interfere with sperm production. It often causes swelling and pain in the perineum. If the condition is serious, timely treatment is required. For example, varicocele branch ligation is a common treatment method.

What are the causes of varicocele? 1. Testicular endocrine dysfunction: Due to the increase in local temperature in the scrotum and insufficient blood and oxygen supply to the testicles, the endocrine function of the interstitial cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles will inevitably be affected, thereby interfering with spermatogenesis. 2. Destructive effects of oxygen free radicals: Some studies have shown that when varicocele occurs, the oxygen free radicals in the testicular tissue increase and lipid peroxidation worsens, thus affecting spermatogenesis and sperm function. 3. Nutritional disorders: What causes varicocele? Due to venous blood stagnation, the blood circulation of the testicles and epididymis is affected, and the required nutrients and oxygen supply are lacking, thus affecting spermatogenesis.

Why does varicocele recur after surgery? (1) Incomplete ligation of the varicocele branches. The internal spermatic veins often merge into 1 to 3 branches above the internal inguinal ring, but there may also be 4 to 5 or even more branches. Some veins may be easily missed because of their unclear varicose veins, especially because they spasm and become thinner after being stimulated during surgery. (2) The internal spermatic vein is not cut after ligation. The internal spermatic vein was only ligated but not cut off, and the disease recurred after the ligature was absorbed for a long time. (3) Inadvertent puncture of the inferior epigastric vein. The inferior epigastric vein is close to the spermatic vein, so the former is easily mistaken for the spermatic vein and ligated. (4) Collateral circulation is not well established. Collateral circulation refers to the severing and ligating of the varicose varicocele after spermatic cord surgery, and the return of blood through the anastomosis of other veins in the testicles, which is equivalent to taking a small path when the main road is blocked. After the internal spermatic vein is ligated, the venous blood returning from the testicles, epididymis, etc. can return to the inferior vena cava along the external spermatic vein, or return to the femoral vein through the subcutaneous venous branches below the external ring. If it is not established properly, symptoms will recur after varicocele surgery.