Published-Ahead-of-Print May 9, 2007, DOI:10.2164/jandrol.107.002600
Journal of Andrology, Vol. 28, No. 5, September/October 2007
Copyright © American Society of Andrology
DOI: 10.2164/jandrol.107.002600
Varicocele and Adolescents: Semen Quality After 2 Different Laparoscopic Procedures
NICOLA ZAMPIERI*,
VERONICA ZUIN*,
MICHELE CORROPPOLO*,
CHRISTIAN CHIRONI*,
RAIMONDO MAXIMILLIAN CERVELLIONE
AND
FRANCESCO SAVERIO CAMOGLIO*
From the * Department of Surgical Sciences,
Pediatric Surgical Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; and
Department of Paediatric Urology, Central
Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals, Manchester, United
Kingdom.
|
Correspondence to: Dr Nicola Zampieri, Paediatric Surgical Unit, Policlinico
"G. B. Rossi," Piazzale L.A. Scuro-37134, Verona, Italy (e-mail:
dr.zampieri{at}libero.it). |
The aim of this prospective study was to assess long-term functional
results (spermiograms) in subjects who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy
via either of 2 procedures (ligation or preservation of testicular artery). A
total of 122 patients underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy performed via
either of the 2 different procedures: complete ligation of the spermatic
vessels or preservation of the spermatic artery. After surgery when patients
achieved 18 years, they were asked to undergo semen analysis. Spermiogram
results were divided into 2 subgroups: "normal" and
"abnormal." We analyzed volume, sperm count per mL, percentage of
motile spermatozoa, percentage of normal spermatozoa, and percentage of
vitality for each group. Both groups showed the same results in terms of
"normal" and "abnormal" spermiograms (World Health
Organization criteria), but analysis showed higher sperm concentration per mL,
sperm motility, volume, vitality, and rate of morphologically normal sperm for
the group with arteries preserved and "normal" spermiograms
(P < .01). Analysis of data from the spermiograms showed that
preservation of the testicular artery was the best possible option in terms of
semen quality. Therefore, we believe that surgical treatment of varicocele
should be carried out using procedures involving artery preservation.
Key words: Semen analysis, fertility, childhood
Copyright © 2007 by The American Society of Andrology.