[Primary varicocele: an underestimated pathology in childhood and adolescence].

Idiopathic varicocele is a neglected entity in classic pediatric textbooks. Yet vast epidemiologic studies revealed that the incidence of varicocele gradually increases in patients between 10 and 15 years old and is comparable to that of the adult male population. Clinically, the pediatric varicocele is often associated with smaller and hypotrophic testis; histologically it also is associated with pathological and progressive changes of the testis. We report on the preliminary results of a personal epidemiologic study and a comparative follow-up to value the efficacy of surgical correction in two groups of adolescent and adult patients. Early recognition and treatment of a severe varicocele with testicular hypotrophy may help to prevent in adults the infertility associated with this condition.