Male infertility secondary to varicocele : a study of the management of 45 patients

ABSTRACT

Varicocele is a common condition worldwide. The aim of this five-year prospective study is to examine the effect of varicocelectomy on the fertility profile of affected men in a male infertility clinic in Benin City, Edo State. A total of 45 men aged 16-65 years were diagnosed with varicocele during the period. Forty one (91.1%) had infertility while 4 (8.9%) were unmarried boys with third degree varicocele. Thirty seven (82.2%) consented to varicocelectomy; thirty three had infertility. Varicocelectomy was done through an open subinguinal approach. Restored testicular volume and semen quality were achieved within the first 12 months in all but one. Among the 33 men who had infertility, the spouses of 23 (69.7%) achieved pregnancy during the period of follow-up after varicocelectomy while the spouses of 10 (30.3%) had not. No major complication was recorded after operation. It is recommended that in subtropical Africa where there are no facilities for microscopic varicocelectomy and embolization, open varicocelectomy should be used. It is safe, effective and has much to offer. (Afr Reprod Health 2008; 12[1]54-59)