The effect of varicocelectomy on testicular volume in 89 infertile adult males with varicoceles.

The presence of a varicocele has been associated with reduced testicular volumes both in the adult and pediatric patient populations. An increase in testicular volume after varicocelectomy, however, has been documented only in the latter group and then only in the ipsilateral testicle. We present our experience with 89 infertile male patients with varicoceles who underwent operative repair. An increase in testicular volume was observed in 72 of the 89 patients, with the right side showing a greater increase, regardless of whether bilateral or unilateral left varicoceles were present preoperatively. No greater increase in testicular volume was noted among the patients who went on to achieve a pregnancy with their spouses. In addition, the age of the patient did not influence the observed change in testicular volume. No correlation between varicocele grade and pregnancy nor between improvement in semen parameters and improvement in testicular volume could be demonstrated.