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CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology

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01-03-2019 | Clinical Investigation

Effects of Varicocele Treatment on Sperm Conventional Parameters: Surgical Varicocelectomy Versus Sclerotherapy

Authors: Laura Maria Mongioì, Luca Mammino, Michele Compagnone, Rosita Angela Condorelli, Antonio Basile, Angela Alamo, Sandro La Vignera, Giuseppe Morgia, Giorgio Ivan Russo, Aldo Eugenio Calogero

Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Introduction

Varicocele is often associated with impaired sperm parameters. Different procedures have been developed for varicocele treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of varicocele treatment on conventional sperm parameters.

Materials and Methods

We compared two different techniques of intervention: surgical varicocelectomy and sclerotherapy. We also evaluated the number of varicocele recurrences and the pregnancy rate. We included 102 patients (mean age 29.8 ± 0.8 years) with ultrasound diagnosis of varicocele. We excluded patients whose ultrasound evaluation and/or sperm parameters were not known before and after varicocele correction. We divided the patients (excluding 8 with azoospermia) into two subgroups: surgical varicocelectomy (n = 44) and sclerotherapy (n = 50). For each patient, we compared conventional sperm parameters before and after varicocele correction.

Results

After varicocele correction, we found a significant improvement in sperm concentration, total count and total motility. Considering the two subgroups, baseline sperm parameters did not differ significantly. Sperm concentration and total count increased significantly after varicocele correction by varicocelectomy. Varicocele correction by sclerotherapy resulted in a significant increase in sperm concentration, progressive and total motility. We found varicocele recurrence in 32% of patients who underwent varicocelectomy and in 19.7% of patients undergoing sclerotherapy. The pregnancy rate was higher after sclerotherapy (28%) than after surgical varicocelectomy (13%).

Conclusion

Varicocele treatment must be recommended when other causes of infertility have been treated. Our results suggest the use of sclerotherapy for varicocele repair.

Level of Evidence

2 b

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Title: Effects of Varicocele Treatment on Sperm Conventional Parameters: Surgical Varicocelectomy Versus Sclerotherapy
Authors: Laura Maria Mongioì
Luca Mammino
Michele Compagnone
Rosita Angela Condorelli
Antonio Basile
Angela Alamo
Sandro La Vignera
Giuseppe Morgia
Giorgio Ivan Russo
Aldo Eugenio Calogero
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 0174-1551
Electronic ISSN: 1432-086X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-018-2136-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of Varicocele Treatment on Sperm Conventional Parameters: Surgical Varicocelectomy Versus Sclerotherapy

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of Evidence

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of Evidence

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