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* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: dr.zampieri{at}libero.it.
Objective The aim of this prospective study is to assess long-term functional results (spermiograms) in subjects who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy using either of the two procedures (ligation vs. preservation of testicular artery). Methods 122 patients underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy, performed using two different procedures: complete ligation of the spermatic vessels or preservation of the spermatic artery. After surgery the patients turned 18 were asked to undergo semen analysis. Spermiogram results were divided into two subgroups: "normal" and "abnormal". We analyzed: volume, sperm count per mL, percentage of motile spermatozoa, percentage of normal spermatozoa and percentage of vitality for each group. Results Both groups showed the same results in terms of "normal" and "abnormal" spermiograms (WHO criteria) but the analysis of the qualitative characteristics of semen (for each parameters) showed higher sperm concentration per mL, higher sperm motility, volume and vitality, as well as higher rates of morphologically normal sperm for group with artery preserved and "normal" spermiograms(p<0.01). Conclusions The analysis of data collected by the spermiograms showed that preservation of the testicular artery was the best possible option in terms of semen quality. Therefore, the Authors believe that surgical treatment of varicocele shall be carried out using those procedures involving artery preservation.
Key words: Semen Analysis
Varicocele
adolescents
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