Comparison of two approaches in microsurgical varicocelectomy in Chinese infertile males

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of two approaches (inguinal and subinguinal) of microsurgical varicocelectomy (MV) in Chinese infertile men.

Patients and methods: 120 infertile men who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups and operated with MV using different approaches. The outcomes and complications were then compared.

Results: The two groups were similar in all aspects except the percentage of patients using analgesic at 27 h postoperatively (57.6% in the inguinal group, 37.5% in the subinguinal group; p < 0.05). Spontaneous pregnancy was achieved at a ratio of 33.9% in the inguinal group and 30.4% in subinguinal group. The median values of semen parameters were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups.

Conclusions: Both approaches are effective methods in the repair of varicocele in infertile men, but more analgesic medication at the first day after operation may be required in inguinal group.