Semen parameter improvements after microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair are durable for more than 12 months

Authors

  • Vinayak Madhusoodanan University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
  • Premal Patel University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
  • Ruben Blachman-Braun University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
  • Ranjith Ramasamy University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.6047

Keywords:

Varicocele, Varicocele Repair, Varicocelectomy, Semen, Durability

Abstract

Introduction: Varicoceles account for the most common correctable cause of male infertility, with varicocele repair leading to improvements in semen quality. However, there is little evidence to establish the durability of varicocele repair. We analyzed the durability of improvements in postoperative semen parameters following microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair.

Methods: We evaluated all men who underwent microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy from 2015‒2019. Patients were included if they desired fertility and had a followup of at least 12 months. We assessed the baseline characteristics of these patients, as well as semen volume, total motile sperm count (TMSC), concentration, percent motility, and morphology. Semen parameters were analyzed at baseline (preoperative) and at approximately three months and ≥12 months postoperatively.

Results: Of 105 men who underwent varicocelectomy, 18 men had a followup of at least 12 months. These men presented with median age of 34.5 (27–38) years for a median followup duration of 14.5 (13–22.5) months. TMSC levels increased from 6.4 (1.1–24.5) million at baseline to 11.1 (2.4–38.4) million at approximately three months and remained similar at 12.5 (1.6–31.5) million at ≥12 months. The study is limited by its retrospective nature and limited sample size.

Conclusions: Microscopic subinguinal varicocele repairs can result in durable improvements of semen quality beyond one year, as demonstrated by upgrade in median TMSC. Further studies should be performed to confirm our findings.

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Published

2019-09-27

How to Cite

Madhusoodanan, V., Patel, P., Blachman-Braun, R., & Ramasamy, R. (2019). Semen parameter improvements after microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair are durable for more than 12 months. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 14(3), E80–3. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.6047

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2020): CUAJ March

Section

Original Research

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