Urology Journal

Abstract

Purpose: Varicocele, most treatable pathologic condition in male infertility, exerts unfavorable
effects on testicular ultrastructure via various mechanisms. In this study we aimed to demonstrate
adverse effects of varicocele on both testes.
Materials and Methods: Twenty one adult male Albino rats were divided into 3 groups. Sham
operation was performed for group 1 (control group), and this group of rats were sacrificed 4 weeks
later. Experimental varicocele model was performed for group 2 (varicocele group) and these animals
were sacrificed 4 weeks after the operation. In group 3 the rats were varicocelectomized 4
weeks later. This group of rats were sacrificed at 4 weeks postoperatively. The level of testicular
damage was examined, and serum testosterone and intratesticular testosterone levels were measured.
Results: Mean (±SD) damage scores of the right testes of the sham, varicocele, and varicocelectomy
groups were 0, 1.64 ± 1.3, and 1.21 ± 0.3, respectively. There was no statistically significant
differences between damage scores of groups 2, and 3 (P = .320), relevant scores of both groups
were determined to be significantly higher than group 1 (P = .009, and P = .001). Mean (±) damage
scores of the left testes of the three groups were detected to be 0.43 ± 1.13, 2.29 ± 1.15, and 1.78 ±
0.39, respectively. The difference between varicocele, and varicocelectomy groups was not statically
significant (P = .112).
Conclusion: Unilateral varicocele has deleterious effects on both testes. There was no statistically
significant difference as for histopathologic recovery following varicocelectomy.