Relationship between the number of veins ligated in a varicocelectomy with testicular volume, hormonal levels and semen parameters outcome.

Purpose: Correlate semen analysis, hormones, and testicular volume with the number of veins ligated.

Methods: Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (< or = 5 veins), Group 2 (6-10 veins), and Group 3 (> 10 veins). We evaluated testicular volume, hormonal levels, sperm concentration, and motility before and after the surgical procedure.

Results: In Group 1, even though there was an improvement in both testicular volume and sperm concentration; testosterone levels and sperm motility did not improve with surgery. In Group 2, no changes were detected in the both testicular volumes, in sperm concentration, motility, and testosterone levels. In Group 3, an improvement was seen in the right testicle volume, testosterone levels, and sperm concentration. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels decreased following the surgical procedure in all groups.

Conclusion: Patients with more than 10 ligated veins have better chances to improve sperm concentration. FSH levels decreased in all groups of patients.