Assessment of Sperm Characteristics After Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy in Infertile Patients with Recurrent Varicocele: A Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Varicocele is the most common clinical finding in infertile men, affecting approximately 15% of them. Objectives: The impact of varicocele on sperm parameters remains a topic of debate. This study aims to investigate the effects of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters. Methods: This study was conducted at Aria Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, from April 2024 to April 2025. Patients underwent sperm analysis and ultrasound imaging performed by a single sonographer. Following these assessments, laparoscopic varicocelectomy was performed. Patients had their sperm analyzed again three months post-surgery. Results: Preoperative sperm count and motility were significantly lower than those measured after the surgery (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between sperm count and motility with the diameter of both the right and left testicular veins (P < 0.05). Additionally, the sperm count and motility showed significant differences when analyzed with regards to right backflow compared to the Valsalva maneuver (P < 0.05). Similarly, there were significant differences in sperm count regarding left backflow without the Valsalva maneuver (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study found significant differences in sperm count and motility before and after varicocelectomy. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between sperm count and motility with the diameter of both testicular veins and the influence of the Valsalva maneuver.