The recurrent varicocele--a poorly recognized problem.

A varicocele is most likely the result of an incompetent vein with retrograde flow of blood into the scrotum. Surgical ligation of this incompetent system is the present-day procedure of choice. In our series of 225 varicocelectomies, there have been three definite recurrences, due to either recollateralization or failure to ligate all branches of this venous plexus.