Effect of Varicocelectomy on Spermatogenic Cell Count and Semen Parameters

Sponsor
Assiut University
Study ID
NCT07684963
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Infertility
  • Male Infertility
  • Varicocele
  • Varicocelectomy

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
MALE
Age
20 Years - 45 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Subinguinal Microsurgical Varicocelectomy — PROCEDURE
    A 3-4 cm subinguinal incision will be made below the external ring. Under 5-10X microscopic magnification, the internal spermatic artery will be identified and preserved. The internal spermatic veins and cremasteric veins, with the exception of vasal veins, will be ligated. The testicular arteries, cremasteric arteries, cremaster muscle fibers, nerves, lymphatic vessels, and vas deferens will be preserved before the spermatic cord is returned and the incision is closed.

Study Details

This study aims to evaluate how varicocele surgery (varicocelectomy) affects the number of immature sperm cells (spermatogenic cells) found in the semen of infertile men. Varicocele, an abnormal dilation of veins in the scrotum, is a common cause of male infertility that can negatively impact semen quality and overall testicular function. While surgery is widely performed to improve standard semen parameters, this study specifically investigates its impact on the shedding of immature germ cells into the seminal fluid, which can be an indicator of impaired sperm production. Researchers will enroll 40 infertile married men, aged 20 to 45, who have been diagnosed with a clinical varicocele and exhibit abnormal semen parameters. All participants will undergo a single surgical intervention known as a subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy. To measure the effects of the surgery, participants will undergo careful semen analysis before the procedure, and again at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The primary goal is to track changes in the spermatogenic cell count and abnormal sperm morphology, and to explore how these changes correlate with conventional semen parameters like sperm concentration, motility, and vitality.

Key Dates

First listed
Jul 6, 2026
Start date
Aug 31, 2026
Status verified
Jun 2026
Primary completion
Aug 31, 2027
Completion
Sep 30, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
40 participants (estimated)
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Microsurgical Varicocelectomy
    Infertile married males aged 20-45 with clinical varicocele and abnormal semen parameters will form a single study arm. All participants will undergo a subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy. The surgical technique involves opening the spermatic fasciae under microscopic magnification (up to 10X), identifying and preserving the internal spermatic artery, and ligating the internal spermatic and cremasteric veins. Semen analysis, including spermatogenic cell quantification using combined morphological and enzymatic methods, will be conducted preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Seminal Spermatogenic Cell Count [ Time Frame: Preoperatively, and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. ]

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