Effectiveness of varicocelectomy in varicoceles diagnosed by physical examination versus Doppler studies

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of varicocelectomy for improving the spermogram in treating varicoceles diagnosed by physical examination and those diagnosed by Doppler but with a negative physical examination. The charts of 112 patients were retrospectively analyzed and the patients divided in two groups: group A, where the varicocele was detected by physical examination, and group B, where physical examination was negative but Doppler studies revealed the presence of stasis or backflow in the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic veins. In subjects complaining of infertility, the two groups were similar with regard to age distribution and duration of infertility. After varicocelectomy, 85% of patients in group A had improved spermogram, compared with only 27% in group B. This difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.0001).