Editing Varicocoele (section)

== Pathophysiology ==

* Pampiniform plexus is formed by veins draining testis and epididymis. Veins gradually join together as they traverse the inguinal canal. At the inguinal ring, there are only one or two testicular veins, which then pass upwards through the retroperitoneum. Left vein to left renal vein, while right vein goes to IVC. The testicular veins usually have valves near their terminations, but these are sometimes absent. Alternative venous return from the testis is through the cremasteric veins, which drain mainly into the inferior epigastric veins.
* 90% left-sided
* Incidence about 20% of all men
* Unusual in boys - typically develop during late childhood and adolescence
* Mostly the affected veins are from the pampiniform plexus
* Usual cause is absent or incompetent valves in proximal testicular vein