Superficial Penile Vein Thrombophlebitis After Microsurgical Varicocelectomy: Case Series

Varicocele is a common condition, estimated to be present in 15% of the general male population. It consists of abnormal dilation and tortuosity of the internal spermatic veins within the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord. In adults, varicocele repair may be considered in cases of scrotal pain, or of infertility associated with impaired sperm parameters. Microsurgical varicocelectomy is currently a common method for varicocele repair. Superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis has been previously reported to occur after microsurgical varicocelectomy but has not been well recognized as a possible complication of this surgery. We present three cases of superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis after microsurgical varicocelectomy. Diagnosis on this condition was based on physical examination, mainly a palpable cord-like structure along the involved vein, without overlying redness. Signs and symptoms of superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis resolved after a 4-8-week course of aspirin at the dose of 325 mg daily. Awareness of this possible post-operative complication and its possible management could be helpful to the clinicians involved in the care of patients with varicoceles.