Efficacy of microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord in patients with chronic scrotal pain following unsuccessful varicocelectomy.

BACKGROUND

Chronic scrotal pain (CSP) frequently persists following varicocelectomy, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and posing considerable therapeutic challenges. Recently, microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) has emerged as a promising surgical alternative for managing CSP refractory to conventional varicocelectomy. This study evaluates the efficacy of MDSC as a treatment for CSP in patients who did not achieve symptomatic relief after varicocelectomy.

METHODS

From March 2021 to March 2023, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 45 male patients aged ≥18 years with persistent CSP following varicocelectomy. Inclusion criteria included patients unresponsive for more than three months post-varicocelectomy to medical treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, and who demonstrated significant pain reduction following a spermatic cord block (SCB). Pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), a self-reported tool ranging from 0 to 10. All patients underwent MDSC based on their positive response to SCB.

RESULTS

The average follow-up period was 14.0 months. Participants experienced significant pain reduction, with mean NRS pain scores decreasing from 7.5 pre-treatment to 1.7 following the SCB, and slightly rising to 1.8 post-operation. Significant pain relief, defined as a reduction of more than 50% in NRS score, was observed in 84.4% of cases. Minimal complications were reported, including one instance of surgical site infection, one case of postoperative bleeding, and two occurrences of numbness and burning sensations.

CONCLUSIONS

MDSC is a safe and effective option for the management of CSP in patients unresponsive to varicocelectomy, providing substantial pain relief with minimal complications.