OBJECTIVETo assess the influence of spermatic vein and artery ligation on testicular hemodynamics, spermatogenesis and testis volume in varicocele patients.

METHODSEighty-eight varicocele patients were randomly divided into a spermatic vein and artery ligation (n = 46) and a spermatic vein and artery preservation group (n = 42). The testicular hemodynamic parameters, testis volume and results of semen analyses were obtained before and 6 months after the surgery and compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in peak systolic velocity (V(max)), end diastolic velocity (V(min)), mean enveloped velocity (V(mean)) and V(min) of the capsular artery (CA) either between the ligation and preservation groups (P > 0.05) or between pre- and post-operation (P > 0.05). Sperm density, vitality and motility were significantly improved after surgery (P < 0.01), with no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found in the testis volume between the two groups before and after the operation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSpermatic vein and artery ligation in varicocelectomy does not affect the testicular hemodynamics, spermatogenesis and testis volume of varicocele patients. Both the spermatic vein and artery should be ligated when necessary.