OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effect of microsurgical varicocelectomy in the treatment of varicocele.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 94 varicocele patients treated by microsurgical varicocelectomy, of whom 36 complained of testicular pain or dragging and distending discomfort, and 58 infertility or oligoasthenospermia. Microsurgical varicocelectomy was performed through inguinal or subinguinal approach. Complications were observed and semen parameters detected through follow-up visits at 1, 3 and 6 months after the operation.

RESULTSTesticular pain or discomfort disappeared in 21 (65.6%) of the 32 followed-up patients who had complained of such symptoms, was relieved in 6 (18.8%), and remained unimproved in the other 5 (15.6%). The 56 followed-up patients with infertility or oligoasthenospermia all showed significantly improved sperm concentration and motility (grade a + b sperm), (15.47 +/- 3.21) x 10(6)/ml and (13.34 +/- 5.16)% at 3 months, and (18.39 +/- 4.05) x 10(6)/ml and (17.23 +/- 4.69)% at 6 months after operation, as compared with (8.26 +/- 1.68) x 10(6)/ml and (5.25 +/- 1.09)% preoperatively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMicrosurgical varicocelectomy can effectively improve symptoms and semen parameters in varicocele patients.