Effect of subinguinal varicocelectomy on sperm parameters and pregnancy rate: A two-group study

Objective: To evaluate the changes in semen parameters and pregnancy rates after varicocelectomy. Methods: We evaluated the results of surgery in 146 men with primary infert ility and palpable left varicoceles, compared with 62 men who refused surge ry and were treated with tamoxiphene. Patients were selected with strict cr iteria in order to exclude any other infertility factor in the couple. They were followed up for at least 1 year after treatment. Statistical analyses were performed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test, Kolmogov-Smirnof two-sa mple test and paired samples t test.. Results: After 1 year, the differences in the median values were significan t for all parameters. The partners of 62 of the operated men (46.6%) and 8 of the nonoperated (12.9%) became pregnant within 1 year (p < 0.001). Thus, the difference between the true 1-year pregnancy rates was 33.7%, Overall, 83.2% of the operated men improved their semen parameters compared to 32.3 % of the nonoperated. Conclusions: Varicocelectomy improves all semen parameters and pregnancy ra tes significantly. Palpable varicoceles should be operated upon when found in infertile couples. Copyright <(c)> 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.