The Changes of Seminal Fluid Parameters Following Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy Versus Open Varicocelectomy

A varicocele is defined as a dilated pampiniform plexus, the network of small veins responsible for venous drainage from the testicle and deep tissues of the hemiscrotum. Two types of operative procedures were applied, i.e. laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV) and open inguinal varicocelectomy (OIV). The aim of the present study is to compare LV and OIV regarding seminal fluid parameters following surgery. A prospective, comparative study conducted on 110 men with infertility and varicocele. Patients divided into 2 groups viz. LV group (n=50), OIV group (n=60). The LV group consist of 35 and 43 individuals with unilateral and bilateral varicocele, respectively. Similarly, OLV group showed 15 and 17 individuals with unilateral and bilateral varicocele, respectively. Grades of the varicocele in LV group was found to be 19 and 31 in unilateral and bilateral varicocele, respectively. Similarly, OLV group showed 22 and 38 individuals with unilateral and bilateral varicocele, respectively. An improvement, i.e. increased in the semen volume and sperm count while decreased in the abnormal sperm morphology were found to be more in the laparoscopic surgery as compared to the open inguinal surgery. LV is the technique requiring skills and experience. It is a same-day surgery procedure, resulting in rapid recovery, cost savings, and is well accepted by the patient compared to open varicocelectomy.