This research was supported by a grant from the National Health Commission Science and Technology Plan Project, funded by the Medical and Health Science and Technology Development Research Center of the National Health Commission (grant number: HDSL202001051).

Prior to implementation, the Institutional Review Board of The Northern Jiangsu People&#39;s Hospital thoroughly assessed and granted approval for all procedures detailed in the subsequent protocol. In this study, patients are provided with comprehensive explanations of the processes involved, and their informed consent is duly obtained before employing electrophysiological technology for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The details of the reagents and equipment used are listed in the Table of Materials.
1. Patient selection
<ol>
	<li>Set the following inclusion criteria
	<ol>
		<li>Based on the established reference standard7 for varicocele using color Doppler flow imaging (CFDI), identify clinical varicocele by the presence of at least three spermatic veins within the spermatic venous plexus during a relaxed state. Confirm that one of these veins has an internal diameter exceeding 2.2 mm or shows a significant increase in diameter when abdominal pressure is applied.
		<ol>
			<li>Assess evident reflux of venous blood flow following the Valsalva test as another indicative factor for varicocele10. Look for symptoms related to scrotal pain.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Ensure the subject is aged 18 to 50 years old.</li>
		<li>Confirm that the subject has not taken any medication for varicocele treatment in the last month.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Set the following exclusion criteria
	<ol>
		<li>Exclude secondary varicocele.</li>
		<li>Exclude individuals with orchitis, epididymitis, or syringomyelia11.</li>
		<li>Exclude individuals with metallic medical stimulators (e.g., pacemakers) in the body.</li>
		<li>Exclude those who are allergic to skin electrode materials.</li>
		<li>Exclude those with broken skin at the treatment site.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Diagnosis and treatment process
NOTE: Anesthetization is not required for this procedure.
<ol>
	<li>Pre-examination preparation
	<ol>
		<li>Have the patient sit still or lie flat to rest for 15 min.</li>
		<li>Ask the patient to enter the examination compartment, remove all clothing, and face the scanner (Figure 1).</li>
		<li>Ask the patient to follow the system voice instructions for movements. Click on Freeze (Figure 2) on the operation side to save the image (performed by the doctor). 
		NOTE: The system utilizes infrared thermal imaging combined with a recorder. Instructions include raising arms to capture armpits or turning backward to capture the back. No questions are asked.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Finding the abnormal temperature area
	<ol>
		<li>Move the mouse to the testicles in the patient&#39;s action screen. Observe the abnormal body temperature region. The normal temperature region is displayed in yellow, the high-temperature region in red, and the low-temperature region in green (Figure 3). 
		NOTE: Abnormal body temperature areas in patients with varicocele are often found in the inguinal area and the testis on the affected side.</li>
		<li>Subtract the temperature of the healthy testis from the temperature of the affected testis to obtain the bilateral scrotal temperature difference.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Concluding the treatment
<ol>
	<li>Apply electrode pads to the patient&#39;s abdomen and bilateral inguinal regions.</li>
	<li>Adjust the current intensity and pulse width (4 Hz, 400 &#181;s) on the electrode pads to levels acceptable to the patient.</li>
	<li>Record the current intensity and pulse width at which the area of temperature abnormality on the scanner returns to normal.</li>
	<li>Locate the treatment protocol in the system that corresponds to the recorded current intensity and pulse width.</li>
	<li>Input the treatment protocol into the removable low-frequency neuromuscular therapy device. Guide the patient through the treatment, selecting appropriate parameters within a frequency range of 1-400 Hz and a pulse width of 50-1000 &#181;s.</li>
</ol>
4. Patient follow-up steps
<ol>
	<li>Arrange for the patient to return for follow-up visits to monitor progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.</li>
	<li>Instruct the patient to report any changes in symptoms, including improvements or new discomfort, during follow-up appointments.</li>
	<li>Perform follow-up imaging to evaluate the status of the varicocele and ensure the treatment has had the desired effect.</li>
	<li>Based on the follow-up imaging and symptom reports, adjust the treatment plan as needed to optimize outcomes.</li>
	<li>Review the patient&#39;s treatment progress and document all findings and changes in their medical record.</li>
	<li>Offer guidance on managing symptoms, lifestyle changes, and any additional treatments or therapies that may be required.</li>
	<li>Evaluate the patient for any side effects or complications resulting from the treatment and address them promptly.</li>
</ol>

Electrical Stimulation Therapy: Non-Surgical Remedy for Varicocele-Induced Pain

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	<li>Bellastella, G., Carotenuto, R., Caiazzo, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Varicocele:+An+endocrinological+perspective.">Varicocele: An endocrinological perspective.</a> Front Reprod Health. 4, 863695 (2022).</li><li>Bozhedomov, V. A., Lipatova, N. A., Rokhlikov, I. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Male+fertility+and+varicocoele:+Role+of+immune+factors.">Male fertility and varicocoele: Role of immune factors.</a> Andrology. 2 (1), 51-58 (2014).</li><li>Bonyadi, M. R., Madaen, S. K., Saghafi, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+varicocelectomy+on+anti-sperm+antibody+in+patients+with+varicocele.">Effects of varicocelectomy on anti-sperm antibody in patients with varicocele.</a> J Reprod Infertil. 14 (2), 73-78 (2013).</li><li>Finelli, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+silico+sperm+proteome+analysis+to+investigate+DNA+repair+mechanisms+in+varicocele+patients.">In silico sperm proteome analysis to investigate DNA repair mechanisms in varicocele patients.</a> Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 12, 757592 (2021).</li><li>Garolla, A., Torino, M., Miola, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Twenty-four-hour+monitoring+of+scrotal+temperature+in+obese+men+and+men+with+a+varicocele+as+a+mirror+of+spermatogenic+function.">Twenty-four-hour monitoring of scrotal temperature in obese men and men with a varicocele as a mirror of spermatogenic function.</a> Hum Reprod. 30 (5), 1006-1013 (2015).</li><li>Gomaa, M. D., Motawaa, M. A., Al-Nashar, A. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Impact+of+subinguinal+varicocelectomy+on+serum+testosterone+to+estradiol+ratio+in+male+patients+with+infertility.">Impact of subinguinal varicocelectomy on serum testosterone to estradiol ratio in male patients with infertility.</a> Urology. 117, 70-77 (2018).</li><li>Goulis, D., Mintziori, G., Koliakos, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inhibin+B+and+anti-M&#252;llerian+hormone+in+spermatic+vein+of+subfertile+men+with+varicocele.">Inhibin B and anti-M&#252;llerian hormone in spermatic vein of subfertile men with varicocele.</a> Reprod Sci. 18 (6), 551-555 (2011).</li><li>Jin, G., Liu, J., Qin, Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Increased+Level+of+C-kit+in+semen+of+infertile+patients+with+varicocele.">Increased Level of C-kit in semen of infertile patients with varicocele.</a> Urol J. 14 (2), 3023-3027 (2017).</li><li>Kadioglu, T. C., Aliyev, E., Celtik, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microscopic+varicocelectomy+significantly+decreases+the+sperm+DNA+fragmentation+index+in+patients+with+infertility.">Microscopic varicocelectomy significantly decreases the sperm DNA fragmentation index in patients with infertility.</a> Biomed Res Int. 2014, 695713 (2014).</li><li>Lorenc, T., Krupniewski, L., Palczewski, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Warto&#347;&#263;+ultrasonografii+w+diagnostyce+&#380;ylak&#243;w+powr&#243;zka+nasiennego.">Warto&#347;&#263; ultrasonografii w diagnostyce &#380;ylak&#243;w powr&#243;zka nasiennego.</a> J Ultrasonography. 16 (67), 359-370 (2016).</li><li>Kummari, S., Das, S., Mahajan, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Role+of+high-resolution+ultrasonography+with+colour+and+duplex+doppler+in+the+evaluation+of+acute+scrotal+diseases.">Role of high-resolution ultrasonography with colour and duplex doppler in the evaluation of acute scrotal diseases.</a> Cureus. 15 (11), e49231 (2023).</li><li>Pogoreli&#263;, Z., Gaberc, T., Juki&#263;, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effect+of+subcutaneous+and+intraperitoneal+instillation+of+local+anesthetics+on+postoperative+pain+after+laparoscopic+varicocelectomy:+A+randomized+controlled+trial.">The effect of subcutaneous and intraperitoneal instillation of local anesthetics on postoperative pain after laparoscopic varicocelectomy: A randomized controlled trial.</a> Children (Basel). 8 (11), 1051 (2021).</li><li>Kilin&#231;, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Experimental+varicocele+induces+hypoxia-inducible+factor-1alpha,+vascular+endothelial+growth+factor+expression+and+angiogenesis+in+the+rat+testis.">Experimental varicocele induces hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor expression and angiogenesis in the rat testis.</a> J Urol. 172 (3), 1188-1191 (2004).</li><li>Krzy&#347;ciak, W., K&#243;zka, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Generation+of+reactive+oxygen+species+by+a+sufficient,+insufficient+and+varicose+vein+wall.">Generation of reactive oxygen species by a sufficient, insufficient and varicose vein wall.</a> Acta Biochim Pol. 58 (1), 89-94 (2011).</li><li>Tian, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+varicocelectomy+on+serum+FSH+and+LH+levels+for+patients+with+varicocele:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Effect of varicocelectomy on serum FSH and LH levels for patients with varicocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> Indian J Surg. 80 (3), 233-238 (2018).</li><li>Paick, S., Choi, W. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Varicocele+and+testicular+pain:+A+Review.">Varicocele and testicular pain: A Review.</a> World J Mens Health. 37 (1), 4-11 (2019).</li></ol>

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

The etiology of testicular pain in varicocele remains elusive, with potential mechanisms including increased testicular temperature, oxidative stress, testicular hypoxic injury, endocrine factors, and the involvement of renal/adrenal metabolic toxicity. When alternative causes of scrotal pain are excluded, and conservative treatment proves ineffective, surgical intervention becomes a crucial therapeutic approach for patients suffering from painful varicocele. Surgical techniques include retroperitoneal or inguinal approaches involving spermatic vein ligation, laparoscopic spermatic vein ligation, microscopic spermatic vein ligation, or spermatic vein interventional embolization13, among others. Each surgical method has its own advantages and disadvantages: (1) Retroperitoneal approach with high ligation: This technique involves deeper surgical incisions, which may need to be extended for obese patients. Visual identification of lymphatic vessels can be challenging, potentially obstructing testicular lymphatic return and leading to conditions such as syringomyelia, with incidence rates ranging from 7% to 33%. The risk of arterial damage may result in varicose veins remaining untied to preserve vascular integrity during the operation, leading to a higher recurrence rate of varicocele, approximately 11% to 15%; (2) Laparoscopic spermatic vein ligation: Compared to traditional surgery, laparoscopic techniques offer less traumatic surgery and the possibility of performing bilateral procedures simultaneously. However, there is a risk of injuring other organs in the abdominal cavity14; (3) Microscopic spermatic vein ligation: This method presents distinct advantages over laparoscopy. The use of a microscope allows for higher magnification, facilitating precise identification of the testicular artery, spermatic vein, and spermatic lymphatic vessels. This precision minimizes surgical trauma and significantly reduces the postoperative recurrence rate, ranging from 0.8% to 4%. Due to these benefits, microscopic spermatic vein ligation is currently considered a highly preferred surgical option; (4) Interventional embolization of the spermatic vein: This involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the varicose vein15, which can improve the varicose vein in a short period with a rapid onset of effect. However, the procedure is technically challenging and has not been widely adopted. When the spermatic vein presents as multiple tiny vessels, precise interventional embolization becomes more difficult, necessitating alternative surgical methods. In conclusion, various surgical methods are available for treating varicocele, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of method should be based on the specific conditions of the patient.
In this study, the testicular atrophy indices before and after treatment were found to be below 20%. Moreover, no statistically significant difference in the testicular atrophy indices was observed between the pre-and post-treatment groups. Previous studies3 have reported testicular atrophy in the varicocele-afflicted testis compared to the unaffected side, a finding supported by Steeno. Nevertheless, the present study did not yield similar outcomes, potentially due to the relatively short duration of patient enrollment and the limited sample size. Therefore, further investigation incorporating multicenter studies with larger sample sizes is warranted to determine the efficacy of TENS in addressing testicular atrophy in varicocele patients.
The study showed that the temperature difference between the scrotums of the patients was lower after treatment compared to before treatment, which aligns with the findings of Garolla et al.5. The relationship between the magnitude of the scrotal temperature difference and varicocele has not been extensively investigated in previous studies, potentially due to the obstruction of blood return in the spermatic veins caused by varicocele. Similarly, no research has examined the correlation between scrotal temperature difference and the severity of pain in varicocele patients. Moreover, Garolla et al.5 suggested that assessing the bilateral scrotal temperature difference could serve as an effective non-invasive method for varicocele detection.
In this study, treatment resulted in a decrease in the internal diameter of the spermatic vein and blood reflux time during the Valsalva maneuver. These improvements may be attributed to the following factors: TENS promotes the release of endogenous analgesic substances, serving as a neuromodulation therapy for enhanced pain relief. Additionally, TENS activates the VEGF receptor, leading to the up-regulation of VEGF13. This process facilitates neovascularization and enhances the directional migration and arrangement of vascular endothelial cells, thereby increasing blood reflux velocity and alleviating venous stagnation associated with varicocele.
Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (TENS) therapy influences cellular depolarization, as different tissue cells respond to various electrical stimulation frequencies. Somatic receptors react to electrical stimulation at specific frequencies, and long-term stimulation promotes neural circuit remodeling14. Compared to surgical approaches, TENS offers several advantages: (1) High safety: TENS is a non-invasive therapy with minimal bodily trauma; (2) High reproducibility: The effects of TENS are consistent and reliable; (3) High acceptance: Patients can conveniently undergo treatment at home using portable devices, which reduces psychological stress compared to surgical interventions; (4) Low reliance on pharmacological effects: TENS does not depend on medications, distinguishing it from other treatment options16.
This study utilized infrared thermography to assess the bilateral scrotal temperature difference and its variation before and after treatment in patients with varicocele-related scrotal pain. This approach aimed to develop a personalized and precise treatment plan for TENS in managing varicocele-related scrotal pain. However, the use of infrared thermography in combination with TENS for varicocele treatment is not yet widely adopted. The study has several limitations: (1) Short study duration: The long-term effectiveness of TENS was not thoroughly evaluated due to the relatively short duration of the study; (2) Single-center bias: The inclusion of patients from a single center introduces potential bias; (3) Small sample size: The small sample size prevented a detailed grading of clinical-type varicoceles according to the CFDI, resulting in an incomplete assessment of treatment efficacy for different degrees of varicocele. Thus, further evaluation through multicenter and large-sample clinical studies is necessary to comprehensively assess the efficacy of TENS and refine treatment strategies.

Varicocele is a prevalent vascular abnormality affecting the male reproductive system, characterized by the enlargement, elongation, and tortuosity of the spermatic cord&#39;s venous plexus. It often leads to scrotal pain, discomfort, and progressive testicular hypogonadism, and is a major contributing factor to male infertility. Epidemiological studies have shown that varicocele affects approximately 10% to 15% of adult males. Among infertile men, the prevalence of varicocele can reach 40%, and scrotal pain occurs in 2% to 10% of cases1.
Varicose veins commonly occur on the left side of the spermatic cord, which can be attributed to two primary factors. Firstly, the left spermatic vein is anatomically longer than the right spermatic vein. Secondly, the right spermatic vein connects to the inferior vena cava, experiencing lower pressure, whereas the left spermatic vein joins the left renal vein at a right angle, resulting in higher pressure2. Increased venous pressure in the left renal vein, situated between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, leads to elevated pressure within the corresponding spermatic vein3.
The exact mechanism underlying scrotal pain in varicocele remains unclear. Potential contributing factors include elevated testicular temperature, oxidative stress, testicular hypoxic injury, endocrine dysregulation, and the influence of renal/adrenal metabolic toxins. These factors stimulate receptors, triggering the generation of action potentials that propagate through neural pathways within the spinal cord, ultimately transmitting electrical signals to the brain via the thalamic tracts located on the medial and posterior aspects of the spinal cord, resulting in pain perception4.
Clinical treatments for scrotal pain associated with varicocele encompass general measures, medication, and surgical interventions. General treatment involves lifestyle and dietary adjustments, which can provide some degree of symptom reduction. Pharmacological approaches often include the administration of hepatic saponins, such as Aescuven Forte, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-exudative properties and help maintain the structural integrity of venous walls, particularly collagen fibers5. Treatment with hepatic saponins, such as Aescuven Forte, gradually restores the elasticity and contractile function of venous walls, thereby increasing venous blood reflux rate, reducing venous pressure, and alleviating symptoms like scrotal discomfort. Flavonoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are other commonly employed therapeutic agents that offer some efficacy in improving scrotal pain symptoms. Although physical cooling and scrotal rest have been utilized for varicocele-associated scrotal pain, their usage is limited due to decreased patient acceptance6.
Surgical interventions, such as open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, microscopic surgery, and interventional surgery, are commonly selected for patients with varicocele who experience more pronounced scrotal pain symptoms or infertility. Surgical treatment is currently regarded as the most effective approach, achieving up to an 80% success rate in relieving pain symptoms. However, it is important to acknowledge potential postoperative complications, including bleeding, wound infection, testicular sheath effusion, and testicular atrophy. Regardless of the surgical method chosen, the recurrence rate of varicocele ranges from 1.9% to 17.2%7.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an extensively employed non-invasive physical therapy that applies electrical stimulation to the skin&#39;s surface, leading to pain relief and enhanced nerve function. By transmitting electrical currents through electrodes into nerve tissue, TENS influences nerve activity and finds widespread applications, including: (1) Pain relief: TENS effectively alleviates various types of pain, including muscle pain, neuralgia, and joint pain. The stimulation of nerve endings through TENS promotes the secretion of natural pain-relieving substances, such as endorphins, thereby reducing pain; (2) Rehabilitation training: TENS serves as a valuable tool in rehabilitation training, aiding in the restoration of impaired muscle and nerve function. For instance, after a sports injury, TENS can be used to alleviate pain and facilitate the recovery process; (3) Neuromodulation: TENS is also utilized for neuromodulation purposes, such as managing symptoms associated with urinary incontinence and constipation8.
The diverse therapeutic potential of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in pain management, rehabilitation, and neuromodulation highlights its efficacy and applicability. Through the stimulation of nerve endings, TENS promotes desirable neuromuscular responses, effectively ameliorating associated symptoms. Notably, TENS has demonstrated favorable efficacy in addressing male conditions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Patients readily embrace TENS due to its advantageous features of safety, reliability, and affordability. Furthermore, TENS treatment for venous vascular diseases yields beneficial outcomes, including pain relief, enhanced blood flow, and expedited wound healing9.
This study utilizes electrophysiological therapy-related technology to examine the effectiveness of transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation in alleviating scrotal pain associated with varicocele. The findings of this investigation have the potential to offer a valuable alternative treatment approach for individuals experiencing varicocele-related scrotal pain.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Low frequency neuromuscular therapy device</td><td>Foshan Shanshan Datang Medical Technology Company</td><td>BioStim pro</td><td>Detachable and portable therapeutic instruments</td></tr><tr><td>Medical infrared thermal imager</td><td>Foshan Shanshan Datang Medical Technology Company</td><td>PRISM 640A, PRISM 384A</td><td>Instrument for infrared thermal imaging scanning of the human body</td></tr><tr><td>Medical infrared thermal imaging system</td><td>Foshan Shanshan Datang Medical Technology Company</td><td>PRISM X 1.0.3</td><td>Medical infrared thermal imager supporting computer system</td></tr><tr><td>Surface electrodes for physical therapy</td><td>Foshan Shanshan Datang Medical Technology Company</td><td>JB50100, E6596, B50180</td><td>Electrode plate</td></tr></tbody></table>

transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for treating varicocele-induced scrotal pain

Varicocele is a prevalent vascular disorder affecting the male reproductive system, leading to scrotal pain and testicular dysfunction. Epidemiological studies have shown that varicocele occurs in approximately 10% to 15% of adult males, while scrotal pain affects 2% to 10% of the population. Currently, clinical treatment options for varicocele-induced scrotal pain include general therapy, medication, and surgery. Among these, surgical intervention is considered the most effective method, boasting a success rate of 80%. However, it carries risks such as postoperative bleeding, infection, and recurrence, making it less desirable for some patients. In recent years, transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation has gained wide acceptance for treating various andrological conditions, including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, yielding positive outcomes. This non-invasive technique offers a promising alternative for managing varicocele-induced scrotal pain, potentially reducing the need for surgical intervention and its associated risks. Its growing popularity underscores the need for further research and clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety in treating this condition.

The current protocol outlines the use of transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for treating varicocele-induced scrotal pain. The therapeutic equipment used by the patients is displayed in Figure 4. Eventually, 38 patients completed the treatment, and the following results were obtained after performing a normality test on the data (Table 1). The mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score12 of the patients before treatment was 3.00 (3.00, 4.00), which decreased to 2.00 (1.00, 2.00) three weeks after treatment (P &#60; 0.01). This difference was statistically significant. The testicular atrophy index was 0.15 &#177; 0.01 before treatment and 0.16 &#177; 0.01 after treatment (P = 0.278), indicating no statistically significant change. This lack of significant change may be related to the shorter treatment duration and the fact that adult testicular growth and development have reached a certain level. The bilateral scrotal temperature difference was 1.58 &#177; 0.34 before treatment and 1.29 &#177; 0.23 after treatment (P &#60; 0.01), showing a statistically significant difference. The internal diameter of the spermatic vein was 2.50 (2.30, 2.50) mm before treatment and 2.20 (2.00, 2.20) mm after treatment, indicating a reduction in diameter post-treatment. The time of blood reflux in the spermatic vein was 3.00 s (2.00 s, 4.50 s) before treatment, which decreased to 2.00 s (1.00 s, 3.00 s) after treatment, with the difference being statistically significant (P &#60; 0.01).
From these results, it is evident that the VAS score, bilateral scrotal temperature difference, internal diameter of the spermatic vein, and reflux time all showed improvement in patients with varicocele after receiving electrophysiologic treatment. This indicates that electrophysiologic treatment for varicocele-related scrotal pain has demonstrated some efficacy.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66260/66260fig01.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Patient examination setup. The patient is positioned facing the screen to facilitate clear capture of the examination process. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/66260/66260fig01large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66260/66260fig02.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: Image capture process. Pressing the Freeze button to capture the image. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/66260/66260fig02large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66260/66260fig03.jpg" /> 
Figure 3: Identifying abnormal temperature areas. Different colors represent varying temperatures, highlighting regions where the patient&#39;s temperature deviates from the normal range. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/66260/66260fig03large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 4" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66260/66260fig04.jpg" /> 
Figure 4: Therapeutic equipment. The therapeutic equipment utilized by patients is shown. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/66260/66260fig04large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td>Pre-treatment</td>
			<td>Post-treatment</td>
			<td>P</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>VAS scores&#160;</td>
			<td>3.00 (3.00, 4.00)</td>
			<td>2.00 (1.00, 2.00)</td>
			<td>&#60;0.01</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Testicular atrophy index</td>
			<td>0.15 &#177; 0.01</td>
			<td>0.16 &#177; 0.01</td>
			<td>0.278</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bilateral scrotal temperature difference (&#176;C)</td>
			<td>1.58 &#177; 0.34</td>
			<td>1.29 &#177; 0.23</td>
			<td>&#60;0.01</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Internal diameter of the spermatic vein (mm)</td>
			<td>2.50 (2.30,2.50)</td>
			<td>2.20 (2.00,2.20)</td>
			<td>&#60;0.01</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Reflux time (s)</td>
			<td>3.00 (2.00,4.50)</td>
			<td>2.00 (1.00,3.00)</td>
			<td>&#60;0.01</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 1: Comparison of data before and after treatment. This table presents a comparative analysis of the data recorded before and after the treatment.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Varicocele Treatment with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

This protocol outlines the use of transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for treating varicocele-induced scrotal pain. It compares visual analog scale (VAS) scores and imaging changes before and after treatment to assess effectiveness. Results indicate that patients experienced improved scrotal pain symptoms following the treatment.

Transcutaneous Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Treating Varicocele-Induced Scrotal Pain

Varicocele is a prevalent vascular disorder affecting the male reproductive system, leading to scrotal pain and testicular dysfunction. Epidemiological ...

transcutaneous-neuromuscular-electrical-stimulation-for-treating

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

658 Views.  Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital of Jiangsu Province. Onze studie is voor het gebruik van transcutane neuromusculaire elektrische stimulatie bij de behandeling van varicocele scrotumpijn en biedt een nieuwe alternatieve optie voor de behandeling van varicocele scrotumpijn. Transcutane elektrische neuromusculaire stimulatie is op grote schaal gebruikt bij de behandeling van bekkenbodemgerelateerde aandoeningen en is effectief geweest bij de behandeling van mannelijke aandoeningen zoals erectie en voortijdige ejac...

Video: Auteur in de schijnwerpers: Bevordering van varicocele-behandeling met neuromusculaire elektrische stimulatie

Programmed Electrical Stimulation in Mice

Genetically-modified mice have emerged as a preferable animal model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying conduction abnormalities, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.1 Intracardiac pacing studies can be performed in mice using a 1.1F octapolar catheter inserted into the jugular vein, and advanced into the right atrium and ventricle. Here, we illustrate the steps involved in performing programmed electrical stimulation in mice. Surface ECG and intracardiac electrograms are recorded simultaneously in the atria, atrioventricular junction, and ventricular myocardium, whereas intracardiac pacing of the atrium is performed using an external stimulator. Thus, programmed electrical stimulation in mice provides unique opportunities to explore molecular mechanisms underlying conduction defects and cardiac arrhythmias.

Programmed electrical stimulation provides the ability to determine conduction properties of the heart, and the possibility to induce and terminate cardiac arrhythmias using various pacing protocols. Using a transvenous catheter, intracardiac electrogram recordings can be obtained in mice following programmed electrical stimulation protocols to identify arrhythmogenic substrates.

Genetically-modified mice have emerged as a preferable animal model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying conduction abnormalities, atrial and ...

Utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Study the Human Neuromuscular System

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been in use for more than 20 years 1, and has grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade. While the use of TMS has expanded to the study of many systems and processes during this time, the original application and perhaps one of the most common uses of TMS involves studying the physiology, plasticity and function of the human neuromuscular system. Single pulse TMS applied to the motor cortex excites pyramidal neurons transsynaptically 2 (Figure 1) and results in a measurable electromyographic response that can be used to study and evaluate the integrity and excitability of the corticospinal tract in humans 3. Additionally, recent advances in magnetic stimulation now allows for partitioning of cortical versus spinal excitability 4,5. For example, paired-pulse TMS can be used to assess intracortical facilitatory and inhibitory properties by combining a conditioning stimulus and a test stimulus at different interstimulus intervals 3,4,6-8. In this video article we will demonstrate the methodological and technical aspects of these techniques. Specifically, we will demonstrate single-pulse and paired-pulse TMS techniques as applied to the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle as well as the erector spinae (ES) musculature. Our laboratory studies the FCR muscle as it is of interest to our research on the effects of wrist-hand cast immobilization on reduced muscle performance6,9, and we study the ES muscles due to these muscles clinical relevance as it relates to low back pain8. With this stated, we should note that TMS has been used to study many muscles of the hand, arm and legs, and should iterate that our demonstrations in the FCR and ES muscle groups are only selected examples of TMS being used to study the human neuromuscular system.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive tool to gain insight on the physiology and function of the human nervous system. Here, we present our TMS techniques to study cortical excitability of the upper limb and lumbar musculature.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been in use for more than 20 years 1, and has grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade.  While ...

A Murine Model of Muscle Training by Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a common clinical modality that is widely used to restore1, maintain2 or enhance3-5 muscle functional capacity. Transcutaneous surface stimulation of skeletal muscle involves a current flow between a cathode and an anode, thereby inducing excitement of the motor unit and the surrounding muscle fibers. 
NMES is an attractive modality to evaluate skeletal muscle adaptive responses for several reasons. First, it provides a reproducible experimental model in which physiological adaptations, such as myofiber hypertophy and muscle strengthening6, angiogenesis7-9, growth factor secretion9-11, and muscle precursor cell activation12 are well documented. Such physiological responses may be carefully titrated using different parameters of stimulation (for Cochrane review, see 13). In addition, NMES recruits motor units non-selectively, and in a spatially fixed and temporally synchronous manner14, offering the advantage of exerting a treatment effect on all fibers, regardless of fiber type. Although there are specified contraindications to NMES in clinical populations, including peripheral venous disorders or malignancy, for example, NMES is safe and feasible, even for those who are ill and/or bedridden and for populations in which rigorous exercise may be challenging. 
Here, we demonstrate the protocol for adapting commercially available electrodes and performing a NMES protocol using a murine model. This animal model has the advantage of utilizing a clinically available device and providing instant feedback regarding positioning of the electrode to elicit the desired muscle contractile effect. For the purpose of this manuscript, we will describe the protocol for muscle stimulation of the anterior compartment muscles of a mouse hindlimb.

A murine model of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), a safe and inexpensive clinical modality, to the anterior compartment muscles is described. This model has the advantage of modifying a readily available clinical device for the purpose of eliciting targeted and specific muscle contractions in mice.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a common clinical modality that is widely used to restore1, maintain2 or enhance3-5 muscle functional ...

Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity

Electrical stimulation (EStim) refers to the application of electrical current to muscles or nerves in order to achieve functional and therapeutic goals. It has been extensively used in various clinical settings. Based upon recent discoveries related to the systemic effects of voluntary breathing and intrinsic physiological interactions among systems during voluntary breathing, a new EStim protocol, Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim), has been developed to augment the effects of electrical stimulation. In BreEStim, a single-pulse electrical stimulus is triggered and delivered to the target area when the airflow rate of an isolated voluntary inspiration reaches the threshold. BreEStim integrates intrinsic physiological interactions that are activated during voluntary breathing and has demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy. Two representative applications of BreEStim are reported with detailed protocols: management of post-stroke finger flexor spasticity and neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury.

Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation BreEStim for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity

The purpose is to present a new method, breathing-control electrical stimulation (BreEStim) for management of neuropathic pain and spasticity.

Electrical stimulation (EStim) refers to the application of electrical current to muscles or nerves in order to achieve functional and therapeutic goals. ...

Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults

Spatial and temporal characteristics of human walking are frequently evaluated to identify possible gait impairments, mainly in orthopedic and neurological patients1-4, but also in healthy older adults5,6. The quantitative gait analysis described in this protocol is performed with a recently-introduced photoelectric system (see&#160;Materials table) which has the potential to be used in the clinic because it is portable, easy to set up (no subject preparation is required before a test), and does not require maintenance and sensor calibration. The photoelectric system consists of series of high-density floor-based photoelectric cells with light-emitting and light-receiving diodes that are placed parallel to each other to create a corridor, and are oriented perpendicular to the line of progression7. The system simply detects interruptions in light signal, for instance due to the presence of feet within the recording area. Temporal gait parameters and 1D spatial coordinates of consecutive steps are subsequently calculated to provide common gait parameters such as step length, single limb support and walking velocity8, whose validity against a criterion instrument has recently been demonstrated7,9. The measurement procedures are very straightforward; a single patient can be tested in less than 5 min&#160;and a comprehensive report can be generated in less than 1&#160;min.

This protocol is used to evaluate spatial and temporal gait variables of neurological/orthopedic patients and older persons by means of a recently-introduced floor-based photocell system.

Spatial and temporal characteristics of human walking are frequently evaluated to identify possible gait impairments, mainly in orthopedic and ...

Microvascular Doppler Assisted Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord in Treating Chronic Orchialgia

Chronic orchialgia is a common disease in department of urology and andrology. The etiology is complex, and the treatment is difficult. In severe cases, orchiectomy is even necessary. In recent years, microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) is a minimally invasive and effective surgical method for the treatment of chronic orchialgia. Its greatest advantage is to preserve the testis and epididymis, avoid the possible organ resection. The key of the operation is to dissect all the fibrous tissues in the spermatic cord, while protecting the arteries (especially the testicular arteries) and several lymphatic vessels. Combined with the use of microvascular doppler in the operation, when separating the structure of spermatic cord under the microscope, the testicular arteries can be objectively and accurately protected (pulse &#8220;whistle&#8221; sound can be heard when the microvascular doppler probes the arterial surface), while artery injury and venous missed ligation can be avoided. The postoperative blood supply of the testis is also maximumly safeguarded. At the same time, we can be more fearless to cut the cremaster muscle, fatty and connective tissues surrounding the spermatic cord blood vessels and vas deferens after the arteries and lymphatic vessels being accurately protected under the microscope, finally achieve the spermatic cord completely &#34;skeletonized&#34; (only the testicular arteries, lymphatic vessels and vas deferens remained after the surgery). Thus we can better ensure the clinical curative effect (denervation thoroughly), avoid serious complications (testicular atrophy), and achieve better surgical results.

Here, we present a protocol to treat chronic orchialgia by microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord. Combined with the use of a microvascular doppler, the procedures can be more easily implemented.

Chronic orchialgia is a common disease in department of urology and andrology. The etiology is complex, and the treatment is difficult. In severe cases, ...

Combination of High Ligation and Intraoperative Embolization using Polidocanol for Treatment of Varicoceles

Varicoceles are dilated veins within the pampiniform plexus and are relatively common in the general male population. The spermatic vein has many branches in the scrotal segment and then gradually merges into 1-2 trunks after passing through the internal inguinal ring. The key to a successful varicocelectomy is to ligate all the spermatic veins while protecting the testicular arteries and spermatic lymphatic vessels from damage. The small veins, including the branches of spermatic veins and collateral veins, are easily missed for ligation during conventional high ligation of varicocele, which has been suggested as a major cause of postoperative recurrence. Although microsurgery effectively reduces the risk of missing ligation of the spermatic veins during surgery, it has several shortcomings, such as long operation time and a steep learning curve. More importantly, this technique is difficult to carry out in primary hospitals due to the requirement of specialized equipment. Therefore, an attempt to modify the traditional high ligation aiming to reduce the postoperative recurrence rate has been carried out here. The protocol here combines traditional high ligation with intraoperative embolization to seal off the branches of the spermatic vein and collateral veins. We rapidly injected foamed sclerosant into the internal spermatic vein under direct observation after separation of the spermatic vein and then ligated all the veins. The foamed sclerosant through the varicose vein hampers endothelial cell growth, promotes the growth of thrombus and fibrosis, and ultimately forms fibrous streaks that permanently fill the venous. The results showed a more satisfactory effect on reducing the postoperative recurrence rate compared with traditional high ligation. Since this protocol is simple to carry out and has better results in reducing the recurrence rate, this can be an alternative surgical method for the treatment of varicocele, especially in primary hospitals.

To reduce the postoperative recurrence rate of varicocelectomy, we combined high ligation of varicocele with intraoperative embolization. We injected polidocanol from the spermatic vein during surgery to embolize the branches of the spermatic vein and collateral veins. This is an alternative surgical method for the treatment of varicocele.

Varicoceles are dilated veins within the pampiniform plexus and are relatively common in the general male population. The spermatic vein has many branches ...

Grade III Varicocele Surgical Treatment using Spermatic Vein-Superficial Abdominal Vein Shunt

Microsurgical varicocelectomy is the most commonly used method for the treatment of varicocele (VC) in recent years. However, it is technically demanding with the risk of damaging the normal anatomical structure of the spermatic cord, such as the cremaster muscle, testicular artery, and vas deferens during the pampiniform plexus ligation. Also, traditional varicocelectomy hinders the drainage of the stagnant venous blood of the affected testicle, resulting in a persistent scrotal appearance of varicose veins and slower remission of swelling sensation in postoperative patients with grade III VC. Therefore, we developed a retroperitoneal varicocelectomy with a microscopical spermatic venous-superficial vein of the abdominal wall bypass procedure. The spermatic vein was transected and ligated proximally through the retroperitoneal space. Then, the distal spermatic vein was freed and passed through the internal ring; under the skin of the groin, a microscopic vascular anastomosis was performed to build the bypass of the distal spermatic vein and proximal inferior epigastric vein. The high ligation facilitates the protection of the normal anatomy of the spermatic cord, and the venous bypass allows rapid testicular blood drainage, which can effectively improve the degree of varicocele, testicular pain, and even spermatogenic function. In conclusion, the present protocol describes a promising way to reconstruct the spermatic return through high retroperitoneal ligation of the spermatic vein and anastomosis of the spermatic vein-inferior epigastric vein, which resulted in faster and more obvious improvement in symptoms and better prognosis of grade III VC.

Here, we present a protocol for grade III varicocele surgical treatment that aims to rebuild the venous drainage of the spermatic cord by a spermatic vein-superficial abdominal vein shunt performed under the microscope.

Microsurgical varicocelectomy is the most commonly used method for the treatment of varicocele (VC) in recent years. However, it is technically demanding ...

Bilateral Spermatic Nerve Blocks and Vasectomy Procedures in Males

Optimizing the Modified No-Scalpel Vasectomy Technique

No-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) is a commonly used contraceptive method for males. In previous applications of this surgical method, issues such as knot detachment and postoperative recanalization resulted in a reduced contraceptive success rate after vasectomy. This new technique innovatively modifies the ligation procedure during NSV to address knot detachment and postoperative recanalization. Two ligations of the testicular end of the vas deferens and one ligation of the abdominal end are completed before transection of the vas deferens. A fourth ligation of the abdominal end is performed using the suture tails of the third ligature of the testicular end after transection of the vas deferens. The fifth ligation of the abdominal end is performed using the suture tails of the first ligature of the testicular end. These modifications strengthen the ligations and reduce the postoperative recanalization rate. Additionally, the two stumps are gathered together, creating better conditions for a possible vasovasostomy in the future, thereby achieving overall better outcomes with vasectomy.

A modified no-scalpel vasectomy technique reduces the postoperative recanalization rate. This protocol describes a modified no-scalpel vasectomy technique that can reduce the postoperative recanalization rate.

No-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) is a commonly used contraceptive method for males. In previous applications of this surgical method, issues such as knot ...

Microsurgical Varicocele Removal Under Local Anesthesia

Microscopic Varicocelectomy under Local Anesthesia as the Treatment of Varicocele

Varicocele, characterized by the dilation of veins within the spermatic cord, is a prevalent disease in males, accounting for 35%-40% of infertility cases among men of reproductive age. This condition may disrupt normal neuroregulation, blood supply, and temperature regulation in the testicles, thereby impacting sperm count, quality (morphology, fragmentation rate), and functionality (motility). It may even induce symptoms such as pain and testicular atrophy. The international standard treatment method is microscopic varicocelectomy, typically performed under general anesthesia. This requires patients to fast before surgery and necessitates recovery and fasting care postoperatively. The arterial blood pressure drop caused by anesthesia may obscure the fluctuation of the spermatic artery, making the precise intraoperative isolation and protection of the spermatic artery more challenging. Therefore, this study proposes and implements microscopic varicocelectomy under local anesthesia. This method facilitates rapid and precise identification of the fluctuating spermatic artery, reducing the risk of spermatic artery damage. It also provides more humane care for patients, reduces economic burden, and offers a new perspective on the treatment of varicocele.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Varicocele Treatment Through Enhanced Surgical Techniques

Varicocele accounts for 35%-40% of infertility cases among men of reproductive age. The international standard treatment method is microscopic varicocelectomy, typically performed under general anesthesia. This study proposes and implements microscopic varicocelectomy under local anesthesia, which provides more humane care for patients and reduces the economic burden.

Varicocele, characterized by the dilation of veins within the spermatic cord, is a prevalent disease in males, accounting for 35%-40% of infertility cases ...

Transcutaneous Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Treating Varicocele-Induced Scrotal Pain

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