Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The results of reports on the association between varicocele repair and testosterone levels were conflicting. The aim of the present study is, therefore, to investigate the impact of varicocele repair on testosterone levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on 20 men who experienced microsurgical subinguinal varicoceles repair because of chronic dull scrotal pain. All hormonal profiles available in the clinical records were reviewed. Follow-up evaluation was done at 1 and 12 months after surgery. Men were classified into groups based on the preoperative testosterone levels: euogonadal (serum levels of testosterone > 12 nmol/l), hypogonadal men (serum levels of testosterone ≤ 12 nmol/l). RESULTS: Microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair was associated with a significant improvements of testosterone levels at 1 and 12 months after surgery as compared to the preoperative levels (13 nmol/l vs. 18 nmol/l, p = 0.03; 13 nmol/l vs. 15 nmol/l, p = 0.01). The same trend was seen in men who were classified as being hypogonadal (7.0 nmol/l vs. 15 nmol/l, p = 0.01; 7.0 nmol/l vs. 10 nmol/l, p = 0.02). No significant improvements in testosterone levels were observed in euogonadal men (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair was associated with a significant improvements of testosterone levels in men with grade II-III lesions and low preoperative testosterone values.