Our Summary

This research paper discusses a condition called varicocele that affects about 15% of men. Varicocele involves the swelling and twisting of veins in the spermatic cord, which can cause scrotal pain and problems with fertility. One common treatment is a type of surgery called a microsurgical varicocelectomy.

The paper reports on three cases where men developed a condition called superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis after this surgery. This condition causes the veins in the penis to become inflamed and create a cord-like structure that can be felt under the skin, but doesn’t cause redness.

The authors found that a 4-8 week treatment with aspirin helped to resolve the symptoms of this condition. They suggest that doctors should be aware of this potential side effect of varicocele surgery and consider aspirin as a treatment option.

FAQs

  1. What is varicocele and how is it typically treated?
  2. What is superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis and how is it related to varicocele surgery?
  3. What treatment did the authors find effective for superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis after varicocele surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing superficial thrombophlebitis surgery to be aware of the potential risk of developing superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis as a side effect. They may recommend taking aspirin for 4-8 weeks post-surgery to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations and report any unusual symptoms or concerns during the recovery process.

Suitable For

The passage does not specify which types of patients are typically recommended for superficial thrombophlebitis surgery. However, it does mention that men who have undergone a microsurgical varicocelectomy, a treatment for varicocele, can develop superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis. The article suggests that doctors should be aware of this potential post-surgery condition and consider aspirin as a treatment option. It implies that surgery for superficial thrombophlebitis might not be necessary, particularly if symptoms can be resolved with aspirin treatment. But it does not provide specific recommendations about which patients might be candidates for such surgery.

Timeline

Timeline of patient experiences before and after superficial thrombophlebitis surgery:

Before surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of varicocele, such as scrotal pain and fertility issues
  • Patient undergoes evaluation and diagnosis of varicocele
  • Surgery is recommended as a treatment option
  • Patient prepares for surgery, including pre-operative testing and consultations with the surgeon

After surgery:

  • Patient undergoes microsurgical varicocelectomy to treat varicocele
  • Patient experiences post-operative recovery, including pain management and follow-up appointments with the surgeon
  • Patient develops superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis as a complication of the surgery, causing inflammation and cord-like structure in the penis
  • Patient seeks medical attention for the new symptoms and receives a diagnosis of superficial thrombophlebitis
  • Patient is treated with a 4-8 week course of aspirin to resolve the symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis
  • Patient continues to have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor recovery and address any ongoing issues

Overall, the patient goes through a series of events before and after superficial thrombophlebitis surgery, including diagnosis, surgery, recovery, complication, treatment, and follow-up care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with superficial thrombophlebitis surgery?
  2. How common is superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis as a complication of varicocele surgery?
  3. What are the symptoms of superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis and how is it diagnosed?
  4. What treatment options are available for superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis?
  5. How long does it typically take for symptoms to resolve with treatment?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after surgery to reduce the risk of developing superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis?
  7. Will I need to follow up with you or another healthcare provider after surgery to monitor for any potential complications?
  8. Are there any alternative surgical techniques or treatments for varicocele that may have a lower risk of complications?
  9. Are there any specific factors that may increase my risk of developing superficial penile vein thrombophlebitis after surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with information about the success rate of varicocele surgery in terms of improving fertility and reducing symptoms of varicocele?

Reference

Authors: Wald M, Armstrong-Pavlik F. Journal: Cureus. 2021 Dec 21;13(12):e20580. doi: 10.7759/cureus.20580. eCollection 2021 Dec. PMID: 35103158