The Influence of Number of Ligated Veins in Varicocele Patients Undergoing Microsurgical Varicocelectomy in Postoperative Pain and Sperm Parameters Outcome.

BACKGROUND

The influence of the number of veins that should be ligated in varicocele surgery on postoperative pain and testicular function is not clearly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the number of Internal Spermatic Vein (ISV) ligated in postoperative pain and sperm parameters outcome.

METHODS

Relevant studies were collected and systematically reviewed from Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. This study followed the PRISMA guideline. The mean difference (MD), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured in the assessment of the outcome. Revman 5.4 was used in data analysis.

RESULTS

The pooled meta-analysis demonstrated that complete pain resolution was significantly higher in patients undergoing varicocelectomy procedures with more than ten vein numbers ligated with OR 1.92, 95% CI (1.03, 3.60). Improvement of sperm parameters of change in sperm concentration was also significantly observed in patients with more than ten vein numbers ligated MD 32.79, 95% CI (23.13, 42.45). However, the number of veins ligated was not associated with the change in sperm motility MD 9.69 with 95% CI (-12.32, 31.71).

CONCLUSION

The number of veins ligated intraoperatively determined pain relief and sperm concentration improvement. This study showed that varicocelectomy results improved with greater ISV ligation.