Semen Characteristics Before and After Ligation of the Left Internal Spermatic Veins in Men with Varicocele

Abstract

The semen from 20 men with varicocele was studied before and after surgical correction of the varicocele. The effect on sperm quality was only marginal and could not explain the fairly high conception rate (20%) after operation. The recommendation that varicocele in men with long-term infertility should be eliminated by ligation of the internal spermatic veins is still justified despite the absence of positive effects on sperm quality.