Asian Journal of Andrology (Jan 2017)

The application of laparoscopic Doppler ultrasound during laparoscopic varicocelectomy in infertile men

  • Li-Qiang Guo,
  • Xiu-Lin Zhang,
  • Yu-Qiang Liu,
  • Wen-Dong Sun,
  • Sheng-Tian Zhao,
  • Ming-Zhen Yuan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.189622
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 2
pp. 214 – 218

Abstract

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The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of laparoscopic Doppler ultrasound (LDU) application during laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV), and to compare the surgical outcomes and complications between LDU-assisted LV (LDU-LV) and conventional LV for infertile patients with varicoceles; 147 infertile patients were randomly divided into two groups. Operative and postoperative parameters, semen parameters, and the pregnancy rate were compared. There were no differences in baseline demographics. The operative time was significantly longer in LDU-LV group than LV group. The incidence of postoperative hydrocele was 1.4% (1/72) in LDU-LV group versus 10.7% (8/75) in LV group, which showed a significant difference (P 0.05). In conclusion, compared with LV, LDU-LV could safely and effectively ligate all spermatic veins and preserve spermatic arteries without leading to high varicocele recurrence and postoperative hydrocele. Given the benefits that sperm counts as well as sperm motility favoring LDU-LV, we recommend that LDU should be routinely used as an effective tool to improve outcomes and safety of laparoscopic varicocelectomy.

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