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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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Microscopic Varicocelectomy under Local Anesthesia as the Treatment of Varicocele
Published on: October 25, 2024
Varicocelectomy: semen parameters and protamine deficiency
M H Nasr-Esfahani1, H Abasi, S Razavi
1Department of Embryology and Andrology, Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran. mh_nasr@med.mui.ac.ir
International Journal of Andrology
|November 1, 2007
Summary
Varicocelectomy improves semen quality and sperm protamine content in infertile men. Patients with better baseline semen parameters and morphology benefit most from this surgery for fertility.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
Background:
- Varicocelectomy is a surgical treatment for male infertility.
- Assessing varicocelectomy's efficacy traditionally relies on semen parameters and pregnancy rates.
- Sperm functional tests offer a more sensitive endpoint due to semen parameter variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of varicocelectomy on semen parameters.
- To assess changes in sperm protamine deficiency post-varicocelectomy.
- To correlate pre- and post-operative findings with pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Study included 192 patients undergoing varicocelectomy.
- Semen parameters (e.g., count, motility, morphology) were analyzed.
- Sperm protamine content was assessed before and after surgery.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements observed in all three semen parameters post-surgery.
- Increased percentage of sperm with normal protamine content after varicocelectomy.
- Cumulative pregnancy rate reached 34.6%.
Conclusions:
- Varicocelectomy positively affects semen quality and sperm protamine content.
- Higher initial semen density and better sperm morphology predict successful outcomes.
- Varicocelectomy may enhance spermatogenesis at both early and late stages.
