Anthropometric Variables as Predictors of Semen Parameters and Fertility Outcomes after Varicocelectomy.

Ramy Abou Ghayda,Jae Il Shin,Muhammad Bulbul,Jun Young Lee,Jad Bulbul,Robert Zakhia El-Doueihi,Sung Hwi Hong,Jae Won Yang,Nassib Abou Heidar,Samer Asmar,Andreas Kronbichler

doi:10.3390/jcm9041160

Abstract

Varicocele is the most common correctable male infertility factor and varicocelectomy has been a mainstay in the management of infertility. However, the role of varicocelectomy as a treatment option has been controversial, and the scientific debate around it is still ongoing. Our study aimed to explore the role of anthropometric variables of infertile patients and their relation to sperm parameters following varicocelectomy. The outcome of 124 infertile patients who underwent open sub-inguinal varicocelectomy by a single surgeon over the last ten years was studied. Post varicocelectomy, four semen parameters (volume, total count, motility, and morphology) were analyzed and adjusted according to anthropometric variables including age, varicocele grade, and body mass index (BMI) of patients. Total count and motility were significantly improved after surgery. Varicocelectomy improved semen parameters, notably the count and the motility, especially in younger patients, lower grades of varicocele patients, and low BMI patients. In addition, BMI was positively correlated with volume in pre-varicocelectomy and post-varicocelectomy.

Highlights

Infertility affects 15% of all couples who are intending to conceive [1]
A total of 124 men were evaluated for pre- and post-operative parameters following varicocelectomy
Our study found a significant improvement in the total sperm count and the motility of the sperm post-varicocelectomy across the entire cohort

Summary

Introduction

Infertility affects 15% of all couples who are intending to conceive [1]. Male factors alone contribute to 20–30% of all infertility cases, and when combined with the female element, it is responsible for 50% of overall cases [2]. Varicocele is known to be the most common correctable male infertility etiology [3]. Several studies have reported the prevalence of varicocele as 15–20% in healthy subjects, and 40–70% in men with infertility [4,5]. The exact pathophysiological mechanism explaining how varicocele affects testicular function is still uncertain. Several studies have reported that a reduced testicular volume, weak sperm parameters, and changes in testosterone levels in infertile men have been observed in patients with varicocele [6]

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Conclusion