The effect of varicocelectomy on testicular volume in infertile patients with varicoceles.

The presence of a varicocele has been associated with decrease in testicular volume both in adult and pediatric patients. However, a study on the effect of varicocelectomy on testicular volume in the adult varicocele patient has never been reported. We determined the testicular volume before and after varicocelectomy in 52 patients with varicocele. A significant increase in testicular volume with the right side showing a greater increase was observed (p < 0.05). No greater increase in testicular volume was noted among the patients who achieved a pregnancy with their spouses. In addition, the age of the patient did not correlate with the observed change in testicular volume. These results suggest that varicocele is clearly related to decreased testicular volume and that varicocelectomy can increase bilateral testis volume resulting in improved testicular function.