[Varicocele: an epidemiological study and indications for treatment].

The varicocele is still the most common correctable cause of male infertility. The epidemiologic studies revealed a gradually increasing incidence of varicocele in patients 10 to 18 years old, as height at the end of puberty as that of the adult male population. The pediatric varicocele is often associated with smaller and hypotrophic testis which presents also histological and progressive changes. Surgical correction of a varicocele in the adult usually produces poor results. In order to improve the fertility rate in adulthood an early varicocelectomy has been suggested. On the basis of our own studies and after a review of the literature, we conclude that all grade III varicoceles and grade II associated with testicular hypotrophy must be early operated on. This hearing provides a higher fertility rate and can prevent the reduced fertility associated with delayed varicocelectomy.