Comparison of The Efficacy and Safety of Palomo, Ivanissevich and Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy in Iranian Infertile Men with Palpable Varicocele

Objective The aim of this study was clarifying the effects of commonly used varicocelectomy techniques in Iran. MaterialsAndMethods This retrospective study was conducted on 70 infertile men with palpable varicocele who underwent each of the varicocele techniques including Palomo, Ivanissevich, or laparoscopy. Basic information about semen parameters were evaluated and registered prior to the surgery. Three months after surgery, changes in semen parameters and surgical complications were investigated in all patients. Results The Palomo technique was significantly associated with fewer complications compared with other techniques (P=0.006). The means of sperm concentration, normal motility and normal morphology were significantly different between the three groups after surgery (P-value=0.025, 0.023 and 0.047, respectively); However, after controlling potential confounders, in addition to the baseline values of semen parameters, the results showed a significant difference between the groups just in terms of sperm concentration (P=0.040). Conclusion Varicocelectomy had a positive effect on improvement of sperm parameters. The Ivanissevich technique was more effective in improving sperm concentration compared with the laparoscopic method and the least complications were related to the Palomo technique.