Relationship between semen parameters, serum InhB, and INSL-3 levels, and the degree of varicocele

Abstract Background Varicocele is an abnormal expansion of the pampininias venous plexus in the scrotum, resulting in impaired sperm production and reduced sperm quality. The exact pathophysiological mechanism leading to varicocele-related infertility has not been fully elucidated. Although treatable, varicocele may lead to male infertility. Objective To investigate the relationship between semen parameters, serum InhB and INSL-3 levels, and the degree of varicocele in male patients. Methods Serum InhB and INSL-3 were detected. To evaluate the relationship between semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels. To evaluate the value of semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in distinguishing disease severity in patients with varicocele. Results Serum INSL-3 in patients with varicocele decreased with the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 was positively correlated with total sperm count and frequency of normal sperm morphology. There was a weak correlation between serum InhB and semen volume, concentration, and total sperm. Patients with different disease severity were similar within the groups, with partial overlap or similarity between varicocele Grade I and Grade II, and significant differences between Grade III and Grade I and II. Semen volume, concentration, total sperm, normal sperm morphology, and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels could distinguish the degree of varicocele. Conclusion Semen parameters and the combination of serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in patients with varicocele are closely related to the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 is expected to be a potential biomarker for early clinical intervention.

Intense venous reflux, quantified by a new software to analyze presurgical ultrasound, is associated with unfavorable outcomes of microsurgical varicocelectomy / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The hemodynamic characteristics of venous reflux are associated with infertility in patients with varicocele; however, an effective method for quantifying the structural distribution of the reflux is lacking. This study aimed to predict surgical outcomes using a new software for venous reflux quantification. This was a retrospective cohort study of a consecutive series of 105 patients (age range: 22-44 years) between July 2017 and September 2019. Venous reflux of the varicocele was obtained using the Valsalva maneuver during scrotal Doppler ultrasonography before microsurgical varicocelectomy. Using this software, the colored reflux signals were segmented, and the gray scale of the color pixels representing the reflux velocity was comprehensively quantified into the mean reflux velocity of the green layer (MRVG) and the reflux velocity standard deviation of the green layer (RVSDG). Spontaneous pregnancy and changes from baseline in the semen parameters were assessed during a 12-month follow-up period. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. An association of the high MRVG group with impaired progressive motility (odds ratio [OR] = 2.868, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.133-7.265) and impaired sperm concentration (OR = 2.943, 95% CI: 1.196-7.239) was found during multivariate analysis. High MRVG (OR = 2.680, 95% CI: 1.086-6.614) and high RVSDG (OR = 2.508, 95% CI: 1.030-6.111) were found to be independent predictors of failure to achieve pregnancy following microsurgical repair. In summary, intense venous reflux is an independent predictor of impaired progressive motility, sperm concentration, and pregnancy outcomes after microsurgical varicocelectomy.

Predictors of microsurgical varicocelectomy efficacy in male infertility treatment: critical assessment and systematization / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

In this review, we tried to systematize all the evidence (from PubMed [MEDLINE], Scopus, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Embase, and Google Scholar) from 1993 to 2021 on the predictors of microsurgical varicocelectomy efficacy in male infertility treatment. Regarding the outcomes of varicocele repair, we considered semen improvement and pregnancy and analyzed them separately. Based on the 2011 Oxford CEBM Levels of Evidence, we assigned a score to each trial that studied the role of the predictor. We systematized the studied predictors based on the total points, which were, in turn, calculated based on the number and quality of studies that confirmed or rejected the studied predictor as significant, into three levels of significance: predictors of high, moderate, and low clinical significance. Preoperative total motile sperm count (TMSC) coupled with sperm concentration can be a significant predictor of semen improvement and pregnancy after varicocelectomy. In addition, for semen improvement alone, scrotal Doppler ultrasound (DUS) parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and bilateral varicocelectomy are reliable predictors of microsurgical varicocelectomy efficacy.

Do YouTube videos on microscopic varicocelectomy provide reliable information?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the quality of YouTube videos about microscopic varicocelectomy. METHODS: On November 20, 2022, a YouTube search for "Microscopic Varicocelectomy" was conducted. Non-English videos uploaded by producers for commercial purposes that lacked audio and subtitles were excluded from the study. A total of 50 videos were evaluated using the Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score and the Global Quality Score, both of which are recognized internationally. Additionally, the researcher developed the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score to evaluate the videos' technical content. The upload source, video length, number of views, likes, dislikes, and video power indexes were evaluated. RESULTS: The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of the academically prepared videos were significantly higher than those of the physician-prepared videos (p<0.05). The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of uploaded videos with audio, audio, and subtitles were significantly higher than those with only subtitles (p<0.05). The video duration was positively correlated with Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, Global Quality Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score. The video power index had a strong positive correlation with the number of likes. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was observed, indicating that the Global Quality Score and Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score increased as the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score increased. CONCLUSION: YouTube videos regarding microscopic varicocelectomy were of notably low quality. If the video content created by specialist physicians and academic centers is more meticulously organized, more accurate data can be transmitted. Consequently, viewing video content may not be advised based on the available data.

The learning curve of bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy: a prospective study / A curva de aprendizado da varicocelectomia laparoscópica bilateral: um estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT Varicocele occurs in 15% of general male population and in 35% of infertile men. Since 1992, surgical correction with laparoscopic varicocelectomy is the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic patients or patients with abnormal seminal analysis. The learning curve for this frequently performed procedure has not yet been described. In the present study, we investigated the learning curve of a single urologist in training performing his first 21 laparoscopic varicocelectomies using qualitative and quantitative tools to evaluate his performance during the process. Our results show that 14 bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomies are enough to achieve the plateau of the learning curve.

RESUMO Varicocele ocorre em 15% dos homens e em 35% dos homens inférteis. Desde 1992, a correção cirúrgica com varicocelectomia laparoscópica é o padrão ouro para o tratamento de pacientes sintomáticos ou com análise seminal anormal. A curva de aprendizado para esse procedimento frequentemente realizado ainda não foi descrita. No presente estudo, investigamos a curva de aprendizado de um único urologista em treinamento realizando suas primeiras 21 varicocelectomias laparoscópicas usando ferramentas qualitativas e quantitativas para avaliar seu desempenho durante o processo. Nossos resultados mostram que 14 varicocelectomias laparoscópicas bilaterais são suficientes para atingir o platô da curva de aprendizado.

Bilateral inguinal transabdominal pre-peritoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty associated to bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy in the same intervention: a feasibility study / Hernioplastia inguinal pré-peritoneal transabdominal bilateral e varicocelectomia laparoscópica bilateral na mesma intervenção: um estudo de viabilidade

ABSTRACT Introduction: Inguinal hernia and varicocele are common conditions in male population. Laparoscopy brings the opportunity to treat them simultaneously, through the same incision. However, there are different opinions about the risks for testicular perfusion of multiple procedures in the inguinal region. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of simultaneous laparoscopic procedures by studying clinical and surgical outcomes of patients undergoing bilateral inguinal hernioplasty using the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique with and without concomitant bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy (VLB). Methods: a sample of 20 patients from the University Hospital of USP-SP with indirect inguinal hernia and varicocele with indication for surgical correction was selected. Patients were randomized into two groups, 10 undergoing TAPP (Group I) and 10 undergoing simultaneous TAPP and VLB (Group II). Data regarding total operative time, complications and postoperative pain was gathered and analyzed. Results: there was no statistical difference between groups regarding total operative time and postoperative pain. Only one complication (spermatic cord hematoma) was observed in Group I and no complications were observed in Group II. Conclusions: simultaneous TAPP and VLB in was shown to be effective and safe, which provides a basis for conducting studies on larger scales.

RESUMO Introdução: hérnia inguinal e varicocele são doenças comuns na população masculina. O advento da laparoscopia traz a oportunidade de tratá-las simultaneamente, pelo mesmo acesso. Entretanto, existem divergências sobre os riscos para a perfusão testicular de múltiplos procedimentos na região inguinal. Neste estudo, avaliamos a viabilidade de procedimentos laparoscópicos simultâneos estudando resultados clínicos e cirúrgicos de pacientes submetidos à hernioplastia inguinal bilateral pela técnica transabdominal préperitoneal (TAPP) com e sem varicocelectomia laparoscópica bilateral (VLB) concomitante. Métodos: uma amostra de 20 pacientes do Hospital Universitário da USP-SP com hérnia inguinal indireta e varicocele com indicação de correção cirúrgica foi selecionada. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos, sendo 10 submetidos à TAPP (Grupo I) e 10 submetidos à TAPP e VLB simultâneas (Grupo II). O tempo operatório total, complicações e dor pós-operatória foram coletados e analisados. Resultados: não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos com relação ao tempo operatório total e à dor pós-operatória. Apenas uma complicação (hematoma do cordão espermático) foi observada no Grupo I e não foram observadas complicações no Grupo II. Conclusões: no mesmo procedimento, submeter pacientes à TAPP e à VLB no mesmo procedimento se mostrou eficaz e seguro, o que fornece embasamento para a realização de estudos em maiores escalas.

Predictive value of preoperative blood parameters on the efficacy of microscopic varicocele ligation for infertility patients with varicocele / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of preoperative blood parameters on the efficacy of microscopic varicocele ligation in the treatment of infertility patients with varicocele.Methods:The clinical data of 110 patients with varicocele admitted to Xi′an People′s Hospital and Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from June 2016 to January 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Successful operation was defined as the restoration of all semen parameters (sperm concentration, forward motility, morphology, etc.) to normal values 6 months after operation. The patients were divided into effective treatment group (group A, 78 cases) and ineffective treatment group (group B, 32 cases). The blood parameters of the two groups were compared before operation. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between blood parameters [neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV)] and the success of microscopic varicocele ligation. The predictive value of blood parameters (NLR and MPV) to the success of microscopic varicocele ligation was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics, and sex hormone levels between the two groups before operation (all P>0.05); There were statistically significant differences in NLR and MPV in blood parameters between the two groups (both P<0.05), and there was no significant differences in other blood parameters (both P>0.05). There was no significant difference in semen parameters between the two groups before operation (all P>0.05). After operation, the semen volume, semen concentration, forward movement and sperm morphology of patients in group A were significantly improved compared with those before operation (all P<0.05), while the parameters of patients in group B had no significant difference compared with those before operation (all P>0.05). There was a negative correlation between preoperative NLR and the success rate of spermatic vein ligation ( r=-0.719, P<0.01), and a positive correlation between MPV and the success rate of spermatic vein ligation ( r=0.522, P<0.01). The ROC curve was used to analyze the threshold of predictive variables for the success of spermatic vein ligation. The optimal critical value of NLR was 2.01 ( P<0.01), and the optimal critical value of MPV was 11.45 ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Low NLR (<2.01) and high MPV (>11.45) may be useful preoperative predictive tools for identifying the group of infertile varicocele patients who would benefit most from microscopic spermatic vein ligation.

Effect of varicocele repair on sperm retrieval rate and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Varicocele adversely affects semen parameters. However, the effect of varicocele repair on the sperm retrieval rate and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia has not been widely reported. We retrospectively assessed the sperm retrieval rates and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia who were referred to the Urology Clinic in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (Jakarta, Indonesia) and Bunda General Hospital (Jakarta, Indonesia) between January 2009 and December 2019. We compared patients who had undergone a surgical sperm retrieval procedure for assisted reproductive technology no earlier than three months after varicocele repair and those who had not undergone varicocele repair. The study included 104 patients (age range: 26-54 years), 42 of whom had undergone varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure and 62 who had not. Motile spermatozoa were found in 29 (69.1%) and 17 (27.4%) patients who had undergone varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure and those who had not undergone the repair, respectively (relative risk: 2.51; 95% confidence interval: 1.60-3.96; P < 0.001). A predicted probabilities graph showed consistently higher sperm retrieval rates for patients with varicocele repair, regardless of their follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Patients who underwent varicocele repair showed higher testicular histopathological patterns (P = 0.001). In conclusion, men with nonobstructive azoospermia and clinical varicocele who underwent varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure had higher sperm retrieval rates compared to those who did not undergo varicocele repair.

Testosterone levels in patients with varicocele and azoospermia / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#Androgen deficiency is common in aging males and may have unfavourable health consequences. Large-scale studies suggested low testosterone level might increse mortality and morbidity in ageing males. However, young men with low testosterone level might be neglected. Recent studies reported young men with infertility may have reduced testosterone level. To investigate the incidence of androgen deficiency in males with infertility and possible factors affecting the low testosterone level.@*METHODS@#Between January 2011 and December 2012, 407 men with infertility caused by varicocele (VC), obstructive azoospermia (OA) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) in our center were included. The number of men in each group of OA, NOA and VC was 141, 97 and 169, respectively. All the eligible patients underwent a serum testosterone assessment by a single morning blood draw (between 8:00 to noon) to test for concentration of the total testosterone. All serum samples were determined by radioimmunoassay in our andrology laboratory. Androgen deficiency was defined as having a total testosterone level less than 300 ng/dL.@*RESULTS@#The mean age was (30.4±5.8) years. The mean testosterone level was (4.18±1.64) ng/dL (range 0.30 to 11.32 ng/dL). The overall incidence of androgen deficiency was 26.5% (108/407). The incidences of androgen deficiency in NOA, OA and VC groups were 40.2% (39/97), 19.1% (27/141) and 24.9% (42/169), respectively, which were significantly higher in the NOA than in the VC and OA groups (P < 0.001). The incidences had no difference between the VC and OA groups (P=0.229). Univariate analysis revealed the cause of infertility, FSH and the mean testis volume as possible affecting factors for androgen deficiency. However, on multivariate analysis the only cause of infertility was an independent predictor. The incidence of androgen deficiency was the highest in the NOA group [OR 0.492 (95% confidence interval 0.288-0.840)].@*CONCLUSION@#NOA and varicocele might be risk factors of androgen deficiency. Young men with NOA may have a higher possibility of low testosterone level. Testosterone level should be followed up after NOA and varicocele treatment. Androgen deficiency should be assessed in males with infertility in clinical practice.

Experience with subinguinal cremasteric disruption and venous ligation for varicocele repair

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of subinguinal cremasteric disruption and venous ligation for the treatment of varicocele with regard to improvement in semen parameters, recurrence, hydrocele formation and testicular atrophy. Methods: The clinical study was carried out from December 2011 to June 2019. Fifty-nine patients were included in the study. Varicocele repair was done as a day case surgery under local anesthesia using cremasteric disruption and venous ligation technique. The treatment outcomes studied were improvement in semen parameters and complications like recurrence, hydrocele formation and testicular atrophy. Results: Seventy-four varicocelectomies were done in fifty-nine patients. Semen parameters improved in those nineteen patients who had abnormal semen parameters before surgery and nine out of these nineteen (47.36%) got their semen count normal after varicocele repair. There were five recurrences (6.75%). No hydrocele formation or testicular atrophy occurred during one year of follow up. Conclusion: Day case varicocelectomy by subinguinal cremasteric disruption and venous ligation is a simple, economical choice with minimal morbidity and comparable outcomes.

The association between body mass index and varicocele: A meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: Recently, several studies have found that obesity had a protective effect against varicocele, but no meta-analysis has confirmed this finding. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and varicocele. Material and Methods: We searched for studies in PubMed, Science Direct and the Cochrane Library from inception until February 2018. The association between BMI and varicocele was assessed by pooling the odds ratios (ORs). Results: Eleven eligible studies with a total study population of 1.376.658 participants were included in our analysis. According to BMI, the subjects were defined as belonging to the obese, overweight and underweight groups. Our results showed that the obese group had a lower risk of varicocele when compared with the normal weight group (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 0.37-0.58). Additionally, an overweight BMI had a protective effect against varicocele (OR 0.70, 95% CIs, 0.56-0.86). However, underweight patients had a more than 30% higher risk of varicocele (OR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.04-1.64). Furthermore, there was no publication bias in any of the analyses. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that BMI is negatively associated with the presence of varicocele.

Improvement of semen parameters after coil embolization of varicoceles: a systematic review / Melhora dos parâmetros seminais após embolização com molas de varicocele: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, including clinical studies in which one of the outcomes was semen parameter improvement after varicocele embolization using coils only. The objective of the review was to assess the evidence on the role of embolization using coils alone for semen parameter improvement in men with varicocele, since embolization using coils is the most cost-effective method of varicocele repair. Study quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). Out of six retrospective and two prospective observational or comparative clinical studies involving 701 patients, semen concentration improved significantly in all five studies that assessed this parameter. Mean semen motility improved significantly in seven studies. The impact of embolization on semen density could not be analyzed.

Resumo Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática conduzida de acordo com o PRISMA 2009 (Principais Itens para Relatar Revisões Sistemáticas e Metanálises) que incluiu estudos em que a melhora dos parâmetros seminais tenha sido um dos desfechos. Esta revisão foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar as evidências sobre o papel da embolização com uso apenas de molas na melhora de parâmetros seminais em homens com varicocele, uma vez que a embolização apenas com molas é o método com melhor custo-benefício para o reparo de varicoceles. A qualidade dos estudos foi analisada com o índice MINORS. Em seis estudos clínicos retrospectivos e em outros dois prospectivos observacionais ou comparativos, a concentração seminal melhorou significativamente em todos os cinco estudos que avaliaram esse parâmetro. A motilidade seminal melhorou significativamente em sete estudos. Não foi possível analisar o impacto da embolização com molas na densidade seminal.

Comparison of CT angiography and color Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis and etiology screening of varicocele / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the values of CT angiography (CTA) and color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis and etiological screening of varicocele (VC).Methods:Ninety-seven patients with VC diagnosed by the Department of Urology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital from May 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively included. The CTA and color Doppler ultrasonographic data of 194 spermatic veins (including 116 varicocele veins) were analyzed. Paired t test was used to compare the mean diameter of spermatic veins at the root of scrotum measured by CTA and color Doppler ultrasound. McNemar test was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of CTA and color Doppler examination for VC, and χ 2 or Fisher exact probability was used to compare the detection rate of CTA and color Doppler examination in screening the etiology of VC. Results:The average diameters of scrotal root of spermatic veins by CTA and color Doppler ultrasonography were (2.9±0.6) and (3.0±0.6) mm for VC cases, with no significant difference found( t=0.885, P=0.381). According to the diagnostic VC standard of color Doppler ultrasound (diameter>2 mm), no significant difference was found between CTA and color Doppler ultrasound in the sensitivity [95.69%(111/116) vs. 100%(116/116)] and specificity [100%(78/78) vs. 100%(78/78)] in the diagnosis of VC. The etiological detection rate of CTA in 97 patients with VC was significantly higher than that of color Doppler ultrasound ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Both CTA and color Doppler ultrasound have high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of VC. CTA has a higher etiological detection rate in etiological screening of VC than color Doppler ultrasound.

Clinical outcome of pediatric and young adult subclinical varicoceles: a single-institution experience / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Subclinical varicocele represents an abnormality of veins of the pampiniform plexus on scrotal ultrasound (US) without a clinically palpable varicocele. Its significance remains unclear. While guidelines do not recommend surgical intervention, clinical management is variable. As there is limited information on long-term outcome of subclinical varicoceles due to challenges in diagnosis and management, we performed a single-institution, retrospective review of patients from October 1999 to October 2014 with subclinical varicocele and with available US studies reviewed by a single radiologist. Subclinical varicocele was defined as dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus on US involving ≥2 vessels with diameter >2.5 mm, without clinical varicocele on physical examination or prior inguinal surgery. Thirty-six of 98 patients identified were confirmed as having a subclinical varicocele and analyzed. The mean age at initial visit was 15.5 years, with a mean follow-up of 26.5 months. The majority were right-sided (69.4%, n = 25), usually with a contralateral clinical varicocele. Testicular asymmetry (>20% volume difference of the affected side by testicular atrophy index formula) was assessed in 9 patients with unilateral subclinical varicocele without contralateral clinical or subclinical varicocele and observed in 1 patient. Of 17 patients with follow-up, 3 (17.6%) progressed to clinical varicocele without asymmetric testicular volume, as most remained subclinical or resolved without surgery. In our experience, subclinical varicoceles appeared unlikely to progress to clinical varicoceles, to affect testicular volume, or to lead to surgery. Although our study is limited in numbers and follow-up, this information may aid clinical management strategies and guide future prospective studies.

The impact of ipsilateral testicular atrophy on semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation response to varicocele repair / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Varicoceles adversely impact semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation, which typically improve with surgical repair. Some men with varicoceles have ipsilateral testicular atrophy due to damage from the varicocele. This study assessed semen quality and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) response to varicocele repair in men with ipsilateral testicular atrophy (TA) versus men with no testicular atrophy (NTA). Semen parameter values and DFI in both groups were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used where appropriate. There were 20 men in the TA group and 121 men in the NTA group with no difference in age, varicocele grade, or preoperative semen parameter values between the two groups. The NTA group had a higher preoperative DFI than the TA group. Both groups showed improvement in semen quality postoperatively, only the TA group showed a significant improvement in DFI, whereas the NTA group showed significant improvements in several parameter values and DFI. The change from preoperative to postoperative parameter values when comparing the two groups revealed a difference in total sperm motile count and DFI, with a larger mean improvement in the NTA group than in the TA group. Both TA and NTA groups showed improved semen quality and DFI after varicocele repair, but the NTA group had more improvement than the TA group. However, only total motile count (TMC) and DFI had a significantly greater mean change in preoperative to postoperative response in the NTA group than in the TA group.

Benefit of varicocelectomy in infertile men with varicocele

Background: Varicocelectomy does improve semen parameters and pregnancy rates in men with infertility. Various studies have shown the extent of benefit and also shown that some may not benefit. It is important to counsel the patients about the same. The present study was done to determine how much varicocelectomy is beneficial to infertile men with varicocele.Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 25 patients undergoing varicocelectomy for infertility at St. John Medical College Hospital, Bangalore from 1st June 2013 to 31st May 2014. Clinical data, semen analysis, scrotal imaging was done and postoperatively semen analysis was done after three months. The data was analysed to find out how much was the benefit of varicocelectomy.Results: Twenty-five patients underwent varicocelectomy, all of them showed improvement of semen parameters. Fifteen of them had more than 50% of improvement. This showed that varicocelectomy is beneficial to about 60% of patients.Conclusions: Varicocelectomy is beneficial to infertile men with palpable varicocele and abnormal semen parameters.

A Study of the Surgical Outcome and Impact on Semen Parameters after Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy and Sub Inguinal Varicocelectomy

Varicocele is the dilatation of pampiniform plexuses which can cause infertility. Incidence of varicocele is around 15-80 % and remains the most common treatable cause of infertility in men. The aim of this study was to identify the preferred method of varicocelectomy in patients with infertility, which gives optimal improvement in semen parameters. This study compares laparoscopic varicocelectomy and subinguinal varicocelectomy.METHODSThis is a prospective interventional study carried out in the Department of Urology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai from August 2017 to July 2019. We included patients with documented infertility with clinical varicocele. Only couples with no other attributable causes including female factors for infertility were included. Patients with previous history of surgery for inguinal hernia, testicular pathology were excluded from the study. We included 25 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria. They were subjected to physical examination, doppler study and semen analysis. The patients were randomised into 2 groups, A & B by random allocation. Group A (12 patients) underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy and group B (13 patients) underwent subinguinal varicocelectomy. All patients were regularly followed up at 3 months and 6 months period post-surgery.RESULTSReview at immediate post-operative period, follow ups at 3 & 6 months were undertaken. History of conception, clinical examination, semen analysis according to WHO 2010 manual and doppler studies by Sarchetsi scale were performed. Three factors in seminal parameters namely sperm concentration, motility & morphology were assessed. Varicocele recurrence was also assessed. There had been a statistically significant improvement in semen parameters in all the patients who underwent varicocelectomy (p value p< 0.005). On comparing the laparoscopic and sub-inguinal surgical techniques, there was no significant variation in increase in sperm concentration, sperm motility and morphology.CONCLUSIONSVaricocelectomy improves the semen parameters. No significant variation was observed when the different surgical approaches of varicocelectomy were compared.

Comparison of curative effect of different surgical methods on varicocele / 国际外科学杂志

Objective To compare the curative effect of three different surgical methods:peritoneal varicocele ligation,peritoneal single-port laparoscopy and microscopy on varicocele.Methods Retrospective analysis of the case data of 150 patients with varicocele treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from September 2016 to September 2018.The average age was 24.5 years,and the age range was 22-30 years.The patients were divided into three groups according to different surgical methods:open group,laparoscopy group and microscope group,with 50 cases in each group.Patients in the open group were treated with retroperitoneal spermatic cord ligation.Patients in the laparoscopic group were treated with single-hole laparoscopic laparoscopic surgery.Patients in the microscope group were treated with microscope surgery.Operation time,postoperative hospitalization time,hospitalization cost reserved arteries,surgical complications (such as testicular hydrocele,scrotal edema,epididymitis,testicular atrophy),recurrence,and semen quality improvement were compared between three groups.Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation(Mean ± SD),the two comparisons used the t test,the comparison between the three groups used the analysis of variance,and the comparison between the count data groups using the Chi-square test.Results The operation time of the patients in the microscope group [(52.52 ± 4.29) min] was longer than that of the open group [(36.60 ± 3.69) min] and the laparoscopic group [(39.54 ± 2.87) min].The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05);but the postoperative hospitalization time and hospitalization cost of patients in the microscope group [(2.16±0.95) d,(5251 ± 300) yuan] were higher than those in the open group [(3.80±0.78) d,(64 75 ±415) yuan)] and the laparoscopic group [(3.28 ± 1.01) d,(7 379 ± 273) yuan].The results of pairwise comparison showed that the difference between the microscope group,the open group and the laparoscopic group was statistically significant (P ＜0.05).Arterial preservation in the microscope group [47(94.0％)] were compared with the open group [35 (70.0％)],and laparoscopic group [30(60.0％)] had obvious advantages.Pairwise comparison results showed that the comparison between the microscope group and the open group and the laparoscopic group was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).After follow-up for six months,2 cases were lost to follow-up in the microscope group,1 cases were lost to the open group,and 5 case was lost to the unilateral laparoscopic group.2(4.2％) patients had complications in the microscope group,and 14 (28.6％) patients had complications in the open group;9 (20.0％) patients had complications in the laparoscopic group,and the total incidence of complications showed a pairwise comparison,the difference between the microscope group,the open group and the laparoscopic group was significant (P ＜ 0.05).The recurrence rate in the microscope group was 2.1％ (1/48),the recurrence rate in the open group was 18.4％ (9/49),and the recurrence rate in the laparoscopic group was 13.3％ (6/45);the recurrence rate was compared in pairs,the difference between the microscope group,the open group and the laparoscopic group was significant (P ＜ 0.05).The improvement rate of semen quality in the microscope group was 68.8％ (33/48),the open group was 42.9％ (21/49),the laparoscopic group was 55.6％ (25/45),pairwise comparison results showed that the microscope group compared with the open group and laparoscopy group,the difference were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Microscopic surgery has less trauma,faster postoperative recovery,shorter operation cost and hospitalization time.Postoperative complications and recurrence,and improved semen quality are all superior to open spermatic vein ligation and single-hole umbilical laparoscopic surgery,it is a safe and effective way to treat varicocele.

Comparison of curative effect of different surgical methods on varicocele / 国际外科学杂志

Objective@#To compare the curative effect of three different surgical methods: peritoneal varicocele ligation, peritoneal single-port laparoscopy and microscopy on varicocele.@*Methods@#Retrospective analysis of the case data of 150 patients with varicocele treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from September 2016 to September 2018. The average age was 24.5 years, and the age range was 22-30 years. The patients were divided into three groups according to different surgical methods: open group, laparoscopy group and microscope group, with 50 cases in each group. Patients in the open group were treated with retroperitoneal spermatic cord ligation. Patients in the laparoscopic group were treated with single-hole laparoscopic laparoscopic surgery. Patients in the microscope group were treated with microscope surgery. Operation time, postoperative hospitalization time, hospitalization cost reserved arteries, surgical complications (such as testicular hydrocele, scrotal edema, epididymitis, testicular atrophy), recurrence, and semen quality improvement were compared between three groups. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation(Mean±SD), the two comparisons used the t test, the comparison between the three groups used the analysis of variance, and the comparison between the count data groups using the Chi-square test.@*Results@#The operation time of the patients in the microscope group [(52.52 ± 4.29) min] was longer than that of the open group [(36.60±3.69) min] and the laparoscopic group [(39.54±2.87) min]. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05); but the postoperative hospitalization time and hospitalization cost of patients in the microscope group [(2.16±0.95) d, (5 251 ± 300) yuan] were higher than those in the open group [(3.80±0.78) d, (64 75±415) yuan)]and the laparoscopic group [(3.28±1.01)d, (7 379±273) yuan] . The results of pairwise comparison showed that the difference between the microscope group, the open group and the laparoscopic group was statistically significant (P<0.05). Arterial preservation in the microscope group [47(94.0%)] were compared with the open group [35 (70.0%)], and laparoscopic group [30(60.0%)] had obvious advantages. Pairwise comparison results showed that the comparison between the microscope group and the open group and the laparoscopic group was statistically significant (P<0.05). After follow-up for six months, 2 cases were lost to follow-up in the microscope group, 1 cases were lost to the open group, and 5 case was lost to the unilateral laparoscopic group. 2(4.2%) patients had complications in the microscope group, and 14 (28.6%) patients had complications in the open group; 9 (20.0%) patients had complications in the laparoscopic group, and the total incidence of complications showed a pairwise comparison, the difference between the microscope group, the open group and the laparoscopic group was significant (P<0.05). The recurrence rate in the microscope group was 2.1% (1/48), the recurrence rate in the open group was 18.4% (9/49), and the recurrence rate in the laparoscopic group was 13.3% (6/45); the recurrence rate was compared in pairs, the difference between the microscope group, the open group and the laparoscopic group was significant (P<0.05) . The improvement rate of semen quality in the microscope group was 68.8% (33/48), the open group was 42.9%(21/49), the laparoscopic group was 55.6%(25/45), pairwise comparison results showed that the microscope group compared with the open group and laparoscopy group, the difference were statistically significant (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#Microscopic surgery has less trauma, faster postoperative recovery, shorter operation cost and hospitalization time. Postoperative complications and recurrence, and improved semen quality are all superior to open spermatic vein ligation and single-hole umbilical laparoscopic surgery, it is a safe and effective way to treat varicocele.

Distribution of TCM syndrome types and their correlation semen parameters in infertility patients with varicocele / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome types and their relationship with semen parameters in infertility male patients with varicocele (VC).@*METHODS@#Using Questionnaire on Clinical Symptoms of Varicocele-Caused Male Infertility, we made an investigation among 147 infertility male patients with VC, determined the types of their TCM syndromes, obtained their semen parameters, and analyzed the distribution of the TCM syndrome types and their correlation with semen parameters.@*RESULTS@#Of the TCM syndrome types identified, kidney deficiency and stagnated heat constituted the largest proportion (34.7%), and the mixed type accounted for a significantly higher percentage than the simple type (P < 0.05). The patients with kidney deficiency and stagnated heat, compared with those with other syndrome types, had a dramatically lower sperm concentration (［21.62 ± 9.25］ vs ［28.88 ± 12.92］ ×10⁶/ml, P < 0.01), but a higher percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm (［98.33 ± 0.15］% vs ［96.27 ± 0.18］%, P < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation index (［19.72 ± 3.17］% vs ［10.96 ± 3.82］%, P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed in the percentage of progressively motile sperm among different TCM syndrome types.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Kidney deficiency and stagnated heat is a main TCM syndrome type in infertility male patients with varicocele and correlated with sperm concentration, the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm and DNA fragmentation index.