[Results of ligature of the upper testicular vein in idiopathic varicocele and subfertility].

The results of a total of 102 varicocele operations, 83 of which were performed because of subfertility and a desire to have children, are presented. In 3% of the cases a recidive operation was necessary because of persistent varicocele. 55 patients with limited fertility were subsequently examined for volume, density and form of sperm, total motility and propulsive motility. Whereas the volume of sperm and the total motility remained unchanged, the density and form of sperm and the propulsive motility had improved significantly 9 months after the operation. Among the men followed up the conception rate was 20%.