Microanatomy of the left and right spermatic cords at subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy: comparative study of primary and redo repairs.

Objectives: To examine and compare the left and right spermatic cord arterial and lymphatic anatomy identified at primary and redo microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy.

Methods: We reviewed the operative reports of 335 consecutive microsurgical varicocelectomies performed by a single surgeon: 325 primary repairs and 10 reoperations. We recorded number of testicular arteries (internal and external spermatic) and lymphatic channels preserved at subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy, and evaluated the relationship between the right and left vascular anatomy at bilateral varicocelectomy.

Catalase can protect spermatozoa of FSH receptor knock-out mice against oxidant-induced DNA damage in vitro.

The aetiology of sperm DNA damage is likely multi-factorial with abnormal compaction of nuclear DNA, abortive apoptosis and oxidative stress implicated as potential causes of DNA damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate DNA damage in spermatozoa from wild-type (WT) and FSH receptor knock-out (FORKO) mice, compare the relative susceptibility of spermatozoa from these animals to oxidative DNA damage, and examine the protective effect of the antioxidant catalase on sperm DNA damage. Epididymal spermatozoa from FORKO mice (n = 5) and WT controls (n = 5) were extracted and incubated with or without catalase.

Lycopene supplementation in vitro can protect human sperm deoxyribonucleic acid from oxidative damage.

Objectives: To examine the effects of lycopene on human sperm motility and DNA damage.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Andrology research laboratory.

Microsurgical varicocelectomy for infertile men with oligospermia: differential effect of bilateral and unilateral varicocele on pregnancy outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of two groups of oligospermic men with varicocele, one having a varicocelectomy (group 1) and the other electing not to have surgery (group 2), as varicocele represents the most common factor associated with male infertility and most reports indicate that varicocelectomy has a beneficial effect on male fertility and pregnancy outcome.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive oligospermic men who had microsurgical varicocelectomy (233, group 1) between September 1996 and January 2002 and a consecutive group of oligospermic men with varicoceles who elected not to have surgery (127, group 2). The outcome measures included changes in semen variables, partner pregnancy rates (assisted and unassisted) and use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Microsurgical varicocelectomy for isolated asthenospermia.

Purpose: Varicocele represents the most common cause of male infertility, and most reports indicate that varicocelectomy has a beneficial effect on male fertility and pregnancy outcome. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of infertile couples with varicocele and isolated asthenospermia who chose to undergo varicocelectomy as well as those who chose not to undergo the procedure.

Materials And Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 118 consecutive infertile couples in whom the man presented with clinical varicocele and isolated asthenospermia (less than 50% motile sperm).