OBJECTIVE: To compare, before and after repair of varicocele, the semen parameters (SP) in relation to the persistence of retrograde vein flow. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined the correlation between semen characteristics and retrograde flow (RF) into the pampiniform plexus in 158 patients with varicocele, before and after low inguinal spermatic vein ligation. RESULTS: The results of the investigation before surgery showed that all patients had RF and also a decrease in quantitative and qualitative SP. After surgery an improvement was observed in SP and there was a decrease in RF as a function of time elapsing from surgery. One year after surgery, an improvement in SP in 136 (86.1%) patients was observed. In 14 (8.8%) no change was noted and in 8 (5.1%) there was a deterioration in SP. Comparison between increased SP and persistence of RF 1 year after surgery revealed that of the 136 patients who showed improvement in SP, 124 (91.1%) did not have RF. Of the 14 patients with no improvement in SP, 12 (85.7%) were free of RF and 9 patients with deteriorated SP and bilateral RF. Amongst 132 infertile men, the wives of 55 (41.6%) became pregnant. None of these 55 men demonstrate RF. CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed a significant correlation between the improvement of SP, pregnancy in patients' wives and disappearance of RF. These results may be considered as a parameter of successful varicocelectomy.
OBJECTIVE: To compare, before and after repair of varicocele, the semen parameters (SP) in relation to the persistence of retrograde vein flow. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined the correlation between semen characteristics and retrograde flow (RF) into the pampiniform plexus in 158 patients with varicocele, before and after low inguinal spermatic vein ligation. RESULTS: The results of the investigation before surgery showed that all patients had RF and also a decrease in quantitative and qualitative SP. After surgery an improvement was observed in SP and there was a decrease in RF as a function of time elapsing from surgery. One year after surgery, an improvement in SP in 136 (86.1%) patients was observed. In 14 (8.8%) no change was noted and in 8 (5.1%) there was a deterioration in SP. Comparison between increased SP and persistence of RF 1 year after surgery revealed that of the 136 patients who showed improvement in SP, 124 (91.1%) did not have RF. Of the 14 patients with no improvement in SP, 12 (85.7%) were free of RF and 9 patients with deteriorated SP and bilateral RF. Amongst 132 infertile men, the wives of 55 (41.6%) became pregnant. None of these 55 men demonstrate RF. CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed a significant correlation between the improvement of SP, pregnancy in patients' wives and disappearance of RF. These results may be considered as a parameter of successful varicocelectomy.
Authors: Marco Milone; Mario Musella; Miguel Emilio Sosa Fernandez; Paola Maietta; Annarita Sasso; Loredana Maria Sosa Fernandez; Laura Virginia Sosa Fernandez; Francesco Milone Journal: World J Clin Cases Date: 2014-04-16 Impact factor: 1.337