Analyzing Varicocele Symptoms and Outcomes: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Varicocele is characterized by an abnormal dilation of veins in the scrotal pampiniform plexus. It is considered as one of the most common and treatable causes of male infertility. To gain a deeper understanding of varicocele symptoms and treatment outcomes, this retrospective analysis patients’ records was conducted. Data was collected from patients who experienced varicocele and were evaluated upon follow-up visit results, symptomatology, varicocele grade, and the examined treatment technique.
Methods: An evaluation was conducted from 250 patients' records who received therapy for varicocele between 2015 and 2020. The hospital database was searched for patient records, and data was gathered using a pre-made proforma. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, physical examination and Doppler ultrasound results, type of treatment (embolization or surgery), postoperative complications, and semen analysis results at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up were among the gathered details. Improvements in semen parameters and the remission of symptoms were evaluated. The data analysis method employed was descriptive statistics.
Results: Our results shed lights on treated patients who achieved natural pregnancy within one year, underscoring the effectiveness of varicocele correction in restoring fertility potential. The observed improvements in semen parameters, along with the high pregnancy rates, provide strong evidence in favor of varicocele treatment. Accordingly, the mean patient age was thirty-one. In 80% of the patients, left-sided varicocele was evident. Scrotal pain (72%) and the feeling of scrotal heaviness (60%) and decreased fertility (48%), were the most common presenting symptoms. Scrotal heaviness and soreness disappeared in 82% and 90% of cases, respectively, after treatment. The mean pre-to-post treatment semen characteristics that showed improvement were morphology (25.6% to 31.8%), motility (35.8% to 45.2%), and sperm count (28.2 to 38.1 million/ml). In 68% of instances, surgery was performed, and the prevalence of complications was 5% as opposed to 2% for embolization. 87% of these patients infertilities were treated during the 12-month follow-up.
Conclusion: Our study's findings offer essential insights into treating varicocele and improving medical care of infertility among males. Significant scrotal symptoms are brought on by varicocele, which also impairs fertility and semen quality. Ultimetly, most patients' symptoms were successfully addressed and their semen parameters improved after treatment with either surgery or embolization. Within a year of treatment, a significant number of couples with infertility issues connected to varicocele were able to conceive naturally. This research can act as a fundamental reference for healthcare professionals to develop effective strategies aimed at varicocele and infertility treatment.