Microsurgical Varicocelectomy



Microsurgical Varicocelectomy


MARC GOLDSTEIN



Varicocele is by far the most commonly performed operation for the treatment of male infertility. Varicocele is found in approximately 15% of the general population, 35% of men with primary infertility, and in 75% to 81% of men with secondary infertility (1,2). Animal and human studies have demonstrated that varicocele is associated with a progressive and duration dependent decline in testicular function (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9).

Repair of varicocele will halt any further damage to testicular function (5,6) and in a large percentage of men result in improved spermatogenesis (10,11,12) as well as enhanced Leydig cell function (13,14). The potentially important role of urologists in preventing future infertility and/or androgen deficiency underscores the importance of using a varicocelectomy technique that minimizes the risk of complications and recurrence.