effect of varicocelectomy on different semen parameters in subfertile men with clinical varicocele

ABSTRACT

Aim of the study to study the role of Varicocelectomy in subfertile men with clinical varicocele, asthenospermia or teratospermia but normal sperm density [normospermia]. 167 subfertile men with clinical varicocele were reviewed over a 7-year period [December 2000-November 2006]. Pre-and post-operative semen analyses were assessed using the World Health Organization criteria. pre-operative semen analyses showed-Oligospermia in 106 [63.5%], Asthenospermia in 154 [92%] Teratospermia in 58 [34.7%], Oligospennia Asthenospermia and Teratospermia [OAT] syndrome in 118 [71%], and Azoospermia in 15 [9%]. Post-operative semen analyses [at 4-6 months] showed--Overall, significant improvement [P<0.001] in semen volume, sperm density and sperm motility; but no significant improvement in sperm morphology [P=0.220].-When patients with pre-operative Oligospermia [<20 million/ml] were considered separately, Varicocelectomy has led to significant improvement in all semen parameters except sperm morphology [P=0.183].-When patients with normal sperm density [normosperrnia] [>20 million/ml] associated with Asthenospermia and/or Teratospermia were considered separately, they did not show significant improvement in any of the semen parameters after Varicocelectomy [P>0.05]. Azoospermic patients did not show significant improvement in any of the semen parameters [P>0.05]. after Varicocelectomy, improvement in semen parameters is more likely only in patients with pre-operative Oligospermia