Varicocele in male factor infertility: role of laparoscopic varicocelectomy.

Among the causes of male infertility, the varicocele accounts for 40%. Videolaparoscopic varicocelectomy was used for the treatment of 800 men as day surgery cases. The operation enabled high bilateral ligation, with an average operating time of 1.5 hours. Operative difficulties were minor being colon adhesions, vascularity, and obesity. There were no complications. Testicular biopsies showed permanent damage varying between 1% and > or =70%. The surgery was very well accepted because of its convenience, smooth and rapid recovery, improved sexual performance, and cost savings. Among the men treated, semen parameters improved among 80%; 45% of their wives becoming pregnant. There is clearly a role for videolaparoscopic varicocelectomy in the treatment of male infertility.