Are sperm motion parameters influenced by varicocele ligation?

Objective: To document objectively, improvements in sperm motion parameters in subfertile men after varicocele ligation with the use of computer-aided sperm analysis. Design: Retrospective chart review, Setting: An academic clinical environment. Patient(s): Thirty-four men with varicocele as the primary cause of inferti lity who underwent a physical examination, hormonal profile, and Doppler ul trasound evaluation. Intervention(s): Computer-aided sperm analysis was performed before and aft er either subinguinal or laparoscopic varicocele ligation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Patients were followed up for 3-18 months after op eration, and average computer-aided sperm analysis values were obtained bef ore and after operation. Computer-aided sperm analysis values were analyzed by paired Student's t-test, with special reference to motility and sperm m otion parameters. Result(s): After varicocele ligation, patients demonstrated increases in me an sperm density and in the overall distribution of sperm with rapid veloci ty, although the increases were not statistically significant. Mean measure s of straightness, linearity, and track speed also were increased after ope ration, but only progressive sperm velocity was increased to a statisticall y significant level. Conclusion(s): Because progressive velocity has been a primary computer-aid ed sperm analysis parameter predictive of male fertility and the success of assisted reproductive techniques, we conclude that varicocele ligation res ults in improvements in semen parameters, especially the key parameter of p rogressive sperm velocity. (C) 1999 by American Society for Reproductive Me dicine.