Effect of Varicocelectomy on Spermatogenic Cell Count and Semen Parameters

Overview

This study aims to evaluate how varicocele surgery (varicocelectomy) affects the number of immature sperm cells (spermatogenic cells) found in the semen of infertile men. Varicocele, an abnormal dilation of veins in the scrotum, is a common cause of male infertility that can negatively impact semen quality and overall testicular function. While surgery is widely performed to improve standard semen parameters, this study specifically investigates its impact on the shedding of immature germ cells into the seminal fluid, which can be an indicator of impaired sperm production. Researchers will enroll 40 infertile married men, aged 20 to 45, who have been diagnosed with a clinical varicocele and exhibit abnormal semen parameters. All participants will undergo a single surgical intervention known as a subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy. To measure the effects of the surgery, participants will undergo careful semen analysis before the procedure, and again at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The primary goal is to track changes in the spermatogenic cell count and abnormal sperm morphology, and to explore how these changes correlate with conventional semen parameters like sperm concentration, motility, and vitality.

Male factor infertility contributes as the sole factor in approximately 20-25% of infertile couples. While semen analysis remains the cornerstone for evaluating male infertility , conventional parameters may not fully reflect underlying functional and molecular alterations. Varicocele, characterized by abnormal dilatation and tortuosity of the pampiniform venous plexus, is one of the most common correctable causes of male infertility. The pathological changes associated with varicocele can adversely affect the seminiferous epithelium, leading to defective spermatogenesis and an increased sloughing of immature germ cells (spermatogenic cells) into the seminal fluid. According to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, the presence of these spermatogenic cells is clinically relevant as it reflects impaired spermatogenesis and testicular dysfunction. This prospective interventional study aims to evaluate changes in seminal spermatogenic cell counts and conventional semen parameters following surgical correction. Participants will undergo a subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy. During the procedure, the spermatic cord is delivered and examined under 5-10X microscopic magnification. The internal spermatic artery is carefully identified, utilizing an intraoperative USG probe if necessary, and dissected free of surrounding structures. Internal spermatic veins and cremasteric veins are ligated, while testicular arteries, cremasteric arteries, lymphatic vessels, and the vas deferens are preserved. To assess the surgical outcomes, semen samples will be collected after 3-5 days of sexual abstinence preoperatively (at least a week apart, utilizing the second sample) and postoperatively at 3 and 6 months. The differentiation of seminal round cells into leukocytes and spermatogenic cells will be conducted using combined morphological and enzymatic methods. Semen smears will be stained with Papanicolaou stain and examined under light microscopy to identify spermatogenic cells based on nuclear morphological features. A peroxidase (Endtz) test will concurrently be used to differentiate peroxidase-positive leukocytes from peroxidase-negative spermatogenic cells. The spermatogenic cell concentration will be quantified using a Neubauer hemocytometer according to the WHO 2021 manual equation.