The Varicocele and Semen Characteristics

Cockett, Abraham T.K.; Urry, Ronald L.; Dougherty, Kathryn A.

doi:10.1016/s0022-5347(17)56814-7

Cited by 77 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Infertility is often observed and can be reversed in a high percentage of patients by correction of the varicocele [1]. Although the varicocele is often referred to as 'the most common cause of correctable infertility', the exact pathophysiological mechanism of varicocele is not clearly understood [2]. Several theories have been postulated, such as hyperthermia, testicular blood flow and venous pressure changes, reflux of renal/ adrenal products, hormonal dysfunction, autoimmunity, defects in acrosome reaction, and oxidative stress [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Testicular Oxidative Stress

Ozdamar

Soylu²,

Çulha³

et al. 2004

Urol Int

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Objective: This present study was undertaken to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in testes of adolescent rats with experimental bilateral varicocele and to determine the effects of oxidative stress on testis produced by varicocele. Methods: 6-week-old, male Wistar rats, weighing 146–334 g (228.37 ± 41.34 g), were randomly allocated into two groups. The first group underwent selective and bilateral partial ligation of the spermatic vein (n = 28), and the second group underwent a sham operation and served as the controls (n = 15). Animals were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery and dilatation of the spermatic veins was observed in the first study group. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed in all rats, and MDA, NO and TAS levels were measured. Results: In the study group, the mean MDA (SEM) level was 15.58 ± 6.07 µmol/g protein, and in the control group, it was 11.59 ± 3.86 µmol/g protein, respectively; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean NO level was 82.73 ± 77.84 nmol/g protein in the study group, whereas 28.65 ± 20.18 nmol/g protein in the control group, this difference was also statistically significant (p < 0.005). The mean TAS levels of the study and control groups were 0.91 ± 0.32 and 1.78 ± 0.46 nmol/g tissue, respectively, and this difference was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). But there was no correlation between these three parameters (MDA↔TAS: r = –0.103, p > 0.05; MDA↔NO: r = –0.104, p > 0.05; NO↔TAS: r = –0.123, p > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that varicocele may change the testicular oxidative status and may play a role in testicular dysfunction that causes infertility.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Testicular Oxidative Stress

Ozdamar

Soylu²,

Çulha³

et al. 2004

Urol Int

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“…The percentage of patients with varicocele and pathological features of their semen ranges from 55 % [12] to 92% [13]. Improvement in semen parameters occurs in 2 out of 3 of post operative patients and the reported rate of this improvement by different authors ranges from 51% to 92% [14].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distant 10 years results of laparoscopic operative treatment in patients with varicocele

et al. 2009

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AbstractVaricocele has been regarded a curable cause of infertility for dozens of years. The impact of varicocele treatment in terms of increase in pregnancy rates is a debated issue. We evaluate data from a 10-year cohort of results from laparoscopic operative treatment of varicocele patients according to pregnancy rate, complication rate, and satisfaction with varicocele repair. Ninety seven patients were treated by means of laparoscopy between 1993 and 1996. Ten years after operation questionnaires were sent to all patients. Answers were obtained from 49/97 pts. (50,5%). Details connected with marital status, pregnancy rate, addictions and scrotal pain discomfort were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square independence test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. After 10 years, 75.5% who answered the questionnaire were fully satisfied with the results of treatment, 12.3% pts of patients were partially satisfied; 63.3% of patients fathered 1 to 3 children. Married patients and those who fathered children were found to be the most satisfied with the operation. We also found the statistically significant negative dependency between smoking addiction and number of children. There were no major complications intra- or postoperatively. No harmful consequences of testicular artery ligation were found. In conclusion, long-time 10 years follow-up enables better estimation of the results of laparoscopic treatment in patients with varicocele. Pregnancy rate may depend not only on varicocele repair but on smoking addiction as well. There is still no evidence of harmful consequences due to testicular artery ligation after varicocele repair

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“…We incorporated this modality into our practice in 1992 and so far over 100 laparoscopic procedures have been performed at our institution including undescended testis [1], varicocelec tomy, pelvic lymph node dissection and even excision of a congenital urachal cyst [2], The prevalence of varicocele in infertile men is 34% [3][4][5] compared to 15% in the nor mal male population [6], Varicocele associated with re duced motility and sperm count is the most identifiable and treatable cause of male infertility. Treatment of vari cocele results in improved semen quality and ranged from 30% following sclerotherapy [7] and 40% following trans catheter embolization [8] to greater than 60% after open and laparoscopic varicocelectomy [9], We report our ex perience with this laparoscopic spermatic vein ligation.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%