Introduction: We aim to predict results of varicocelectomy on sperm density and progressive motility using preoperative clinical, laboratory and radiological data and to propose cut-off values for significant parameters. Methods: This prospective study was carried out between July 2011 and June 2014. We included 123 patients in our study. They were diagnosed with primary infertility with varicocele, were scheduled for varicocelectomy, and completed their follow-up. We excluded patients with azoospermia, total necrospermia, recurrent varicocele, and pituitary hormonal abnormalities. Varicocele was diagnosed and graded by physical examination and colour Doppler ultrasound. Semen analyses were completed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy was done in all cases. Patient demographics, pre-and postoperative clinical data (varicocele grade and semen parameters) were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of age, body mass index, and subfertility duration was 28.3 ± 7.4 years, 29.1 ± 2.7 kg/m 2 , and 21.9 ± 7.1 months, respectively. About 53% of our patients (n = 66) had bilateral varicocele, and unilateral disease was found in the other 57 (46.3%) cases. Varicocele grade I was diagnosed in 42 (34.1%) patients, while the other 81 (65.9%) patients had grade II or III. Higher grades of varicocele, preoperative total testosterone level, sperm density, and progressive motility had a statistically significant impact on the outcome of varicocelectomy in univariate testing. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that grade of preoperative varicocele (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6-6.3, p = 0.007) and sperm density (95% CI 2.7-1.6, p = 0.0035), and progressive motility (95% CI 1.1-2.3, p = 0.0123) are independent predictors of semen parameters improvement after varicocelectomy. Conclusion:The grade of the varicocele, sperm density, and progressive motility are major predictors of outcome in varicocelectomy. Cut-off values of >8 million/mL and >18% for sperm density and progressive motility, respectively, in men with varicocele grade II or III, indicate a successful outcome. IntroductionVaricocele is an abnormal enlargement and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus of veins in the spermatic cord. It is the most common identifiable cause of male subfertility, with an estimated prevalence of 15% in the general male population and up to 40% in subfertile men.1 One of the theories of the varicocele influence on spermatogenesis is the resultant venous blood stagnation in the testis that increases oxidative stress and hinders spermatogenesis through a thermal effect. 2Varicocelectomy is by far the most common procedure to treat male subfertility in patients with clinical varicocele. It reduces intratesticular temperature to the normal range. Hence, semen parameters not uncommonly show significant improvement following varicocele ligation. There are many approaches for varicocelectomy. [4][5][6] Initially open surgical approach was the standard, but now...

ObjectiveTo assess the safety and efficacy of using a stone cone and an entrapment and extraction device (N-Trap®, Cook Urological, Bloomington, IN, USA) to avoid stone retropulsion during ureteroscopic lithotripsy for ureteric stones.Patients and methodsThis retrospective comparative study included 436 patients treated with ureteroscopic lithotripsy for a single ureteric stone from February 2011 to January 2014. The diagnosis of a stone was confirmed by plain spiral computed tomography in all cases. Patients were divided according to the ureteric occlusion device applied to avoid stone retropulsion during pneumatic lithotripsy into three groups; group 1 (156) had no instruments used, group 2 (140) in whom the stone cone was applied, and group 3 (140) in whom the N-Trap was used. Patient demographics, stone criteria, operative duration and complications, and success rates (complete stone disintegration with no upward migration) were reported and analysed statistically.ResultsThe stone was in the lower ureter in >55% of patients in all groups. The mean (SD) of maximum stone length was 9.8 (2.5), 10.4 (2.8) and 9.7 (2.9) in groups 1–3, respectively. The use of the stone cone or N-Trap did not significantly increase the operative duration (P = 0.13) or complication rates (P = 0.67). There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) favouring groups 2 and 3 for retropulsion and success rates, being 83.3% in group 1, 97.1% in group 2 and 95.7% in group 3.ConclusionThe stone cone and N-Trap gave high success rates in preventing stone retropulsion during ureteric pneumatic lithotripsy. Both devices caused no increase in operative duration or complications when used cautiously.

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