Cardiovascular Surgery and Interventions 2024, Vol 11, Num 2 Page(s):
Link between lower extremity venous reflux and varicocele in adult male patients: A prospective study

Kamil Doğan1, Ferit Çetinkaya2, Ayşe Taş3

1Department of Radiology, Ağrı Training and Research Hospital, Ağrı, Türkiye
2Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ağrı Training and Research Hospital, Ağrı, Türkiye
3Department of Public Health, Adıyaman University, Adıyaman, Türkiye

Keywords: Doppler ultrasound, varicocele, venous reflux
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lower extremity venous reflux and varicocele in adult males.

Patients and methods: A total of 102 adult male patients (mean age: 42.7±15.5 years; range, 20 to 82 years) with complaints of burning, cramps, swelling with prolonged standing, and superficial varicose veins were enrolled in the prospective study between January 2023 and June 2023. All patients were subjected to bilateral lower extremity venous and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography.

Results: Varicocele was more frequently observed in individuals with left vena saphena magna (VSM) reflux compared to those without (p=0.001). Similarly, varicocele was more prevalent in individuals with left VSM insufficiency compared to those without (p=0.008). However, there was no significant relationship between right VSM insufficiency, right VSM reflux, and pampiniform reflux on either side (p>0.05).

Conclusion: In patients with reflux in the left VSM, pampiniform reflux and varicocele are more frequently observed. This finding can provide valuable clues for the early diagnosis of varicocele, particularly for urologists, vascular surgeons, and radiologists.

DOI : 10.5606/e-cvsi.2024.1666