Spermatic vein ligation in varicocele: prognosis and associated male and female infertility factors

The fertility outcome of 129 spermatic vein ligations with good postoperative anatomic results is analyzed. For each couple, specific attention was also directed to other infertility factors. The study analyzes four groups: group I, 55 patients with varicocele only; group II, 16 patients with varicocele and prostatovesiculitis; group III, 16 patients with varicocele and a severe degree of testicular failure; and group IV, 42 patients with a varicocele only and associated female infertility factors. In each group, the pregnancy rate within 6 to 24months after the operation was recorded. The control subjects were 36 patients with varicocele only who had declined or postponed intervention for 6months. The best results were obtained in group I. Sperm motility improved following ligation and was associated with a greater percentage of pregnancies within a shorter period: 51% and 62% within 6 and 12months, respectively, as compared with the control group (14% within 6months). The prostatic disease required additional treatment for a longer period, but results similar to those of group I were eventually obtained (50% pregnancy rate). With testicular failure or female infertility factors, the prognosis worsened (31% overall pregnancy rate).