[Spermatological changes after ligature of the spermatic vein for idiopathic varicocele]

Spermatological examinations were performed on 61 patients before and after varicocelectomy. Sperm morphology remained unchanged, but the sperm density increased in 67.2% cases and in 54.1% the sperm motility rose over a period of up to 18 months following the treatment. In 72.1% of the cases an improvement in at least one ejaculate parameter was noted. Of 52 patients who underwent the operation because of infertile marriage, the patient's wife became pregnant in 23.1% following varicocelectomy. Pathogenesis of the varicocele and the problems involved in ligaturing the spermatic vein for male subfertility are discussed.