Comparison of Open Sub-Inguinal and Microscopic Sub-Inguinal Varicocelectomy for Improvement of Sperm Parameters

Background: Varicoceles along with oligospermia as well as with asthenozoospermia lead to the male infertility. It can weaken the spermatogenesis via many different pathophysiological mechanisms. Many surgical and non-surgical methods are available for its treatment. Objective: To compare microscopic versus open sub-inguinal varicocelectomy in males with varicocele with oligospermia and asthenozoospermia. Study Design: Randomized controlled trail Place and Duration of Study: Department of Urology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore from 1st May to 30th November 2017. Methodology: One hundred and fifty males with varicocele were recruited and divided in two equal groups. Group A patients underwent microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy and Group B patients underwent conventional/open sub-inguinal varicocelectomy. Semen analysis was done before surgery and after four months of surgery and 50% improvement in semen parameters were noted. Results: The mean age was 31.69 +/- 5.49 years. In group A and group-B >= 50% improvement was observed in 36 (48%) and 21 (28%) respectively. The improvement was significantly higher in group A than group B (p>0.012). Conclusion: The improvement in sperm count and motility was significantly higher in patients treated with microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy when treated with conventional/open sub-inguinal varicocelectomy.