EVALUATION OF LAPAROSCOPIC VARIX LIGATION

Abstract

Varicocele is a common condition, affecting approximately 15% of the adult male population. Among men examined for infertility, the incidence is as high as 40%. Varicoceles have been shown to affect spennatogenesis on the basis of

three observations:

1. The incidence of a varicocele in infetiile male populations has been noted to be higher than that in the general population. 2. The presence of a varicocele is usually assocciated with abnormaliti es in the seminal fluid. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these abnonnalities are not

certain . Some suggests that this vascu la r lesion produces prot,rressive damage to the testis over time, others include that, an elevation of testicular temperature, retrograde flow of toxic metabolites fi•om the renal or adrena l vein to the spermatic vein and venous stasis are possible mechanisms. 3. Varicocelectomy has been shown to improve seminal parameters.