Outcomes of magnification-assisted microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair: A bicentric retrospective study.

[BACKGROUND] Varicocele is a frequent male pathology, which can be responsible for painful symptoms, testicular growth disorders and fertility disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and risks of magnification-assisted microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair within a cohort of unselected patients.

[METHODS] All patients who underwent uni- or bilateral magnification-assisted microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair between January 1st, 2018, and December 31st, 2021, in two centers were included retrospectively. The primary endpoints were the resolution of painful symptoms and the improvement in semen parameters after varicocele repair. The secondary endpoints were the occurence of postoperative complications and the occurrence of a clinical recurrence of the varicocele.

[RESULTS] A total of 114 patients were included in this study. Resolution of painful symptoms after surgery was observed in 32 (57.1%) of the 56 patients treated in this context. A significant increase in sperm concentration (C) (P=0.02) and total motility (a+b+c) (P=0.05) after surgery was observed. Following surgery, 9 patients (7.9%) had a complication, and 8 patients (7%) had a clinical recurrence.

[CONCLUSION] Magnification-assisted microsurgical subinguinal surgery is a preferred option in the treatment of varicocele. This technique is effective in the management of symptomatic varicocele and varicocele associated to abnormal semen parameters, while presenting an acceptable complication rate.