Varicocele

Abnormal varicose dilatation of the pampiniform venous plexus within the spermatic cord, typically occurring in the scrotum and producing a soft, compressible scrotal mass. It may impair testicular function, spermatogenesis, and fertility.

Causes

• Testicular vein valve incompetence --> Impaired venous drainage

• Left-sided venous compression (nutcracker phenomenon)

• Obstructive causes

  • Retroperitoneal tumor

  • Renal tumor

  • Blood clot

  • Deep vein thrombosis

• Congenital or anatomical abnormalities of testicular venous drainage