The comparison of two experimental rat varicocele models and their effect on sperm quality.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a modified rat varicocele model.

METHODS

300 male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected. In 82 rats (classic group, CG), this was achieved by dissecting the left renal vein and ligating it using a 0.8-mm metal clip and 3-0 silk suture proximal to the inferior vena cava, followed by removal of the bar. In 118 rats (modified group, MG), in addition to the partial ligation of the left renal vein, the communicating branch was fully ligated. In 100 rats (sham operation group, SG), the left renal vein and communicating branches were dissected, but not ligated. The seminal fluid was aspirated and the diameters of the left spermatic veins were analyzed. Three months later, the examination was performed again.

RESULTS

The diameters were 0.16 ± 0.1 mm and 1.88 ± 0.1 mm before and after operation, respectively, in the CG (p < 0.01), and 0.15 ± 0.05 mm and 2.0 ± 0.1 mm in the MG (p < 0.01). Postsurgical diameters in the CG and MG were 1.88 ± 0.1 mm and 2.0 ± 0.1 mm (p > 0.5), and 0.16 ± 0.1 mm and 0.16 ± 0.11 mm in the SG (p > 0.5). Semen parameters in the CG had significant differences before and after the operation (p < 0.01), were significantly lower in the MG (p < 0.01), and had no significant differences in the SG (p > 0.5).

CONCLUSION

Simple partial ligation of the renal vein combined with ligation of the communicating branch leads to acceptable models for varicocele.