Efficacy of bilateral and left varicocelectomy in infertile men with left clinical and right subclinical varicoceles: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether it is necessary to perform bilateral varicocelectomy (BV) in infertile men with left clinical and right subclinical varicoceles by comparing the outcomes of BV with those of left varicocelectomy (LV) in these patients.

METHODS

A total of 104 infertile men with left clinical and right subclinical varicoceles were randomly divided into 2 groups: BV (n = 51) and LV (n = 53). Both BV and LV were performed using a retroperitoneal approach with ligation of the dilated internal spermatic veins. The sperm concentration, sperm motility, normal morphology, serum testosterone level, bilateral testicular volume, and spontaneous pregnancy rate were measured pre- and postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and the chi(2) test, with significance determined by P < .05.

RESULTS

The patients in the 2 groups had comparable preoperative age, partner age, sperm concentration, sperm motility, normal morphology, left varicocele grade, serum testosterone level, and bilateral testicular volume (P > .05). Both BV and LV resulted in significant increases in sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal morphology (P < .05). No significant changes in serum testosterone level or bilateral testicular volume were observed after varicocelectomy in the 2 groups (P > .05). No significant differences were found in the postoperative sperm concentration, sperm motility, normal morphology, bilateral testicular volume, serum testosterone level, and spontaneous pregnancy rate between the 2 groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that no benefit is realized with BV compared with LV in infertile men with left clinical and right subclinical varicoceles.