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Duarsa GWK, Kloping YP, Duarsa GWD, Daryanto B, Satyagraha P. Video-Assisted Telescope Operating Monitor 3D System in Microsurgical Varicocelectomy: A Preliminary Report. Surg Innov 2024:15533506241237555. [PMID: 38439650 DOI: 10.1177/15533506241237555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Video-assisted telescope operating monitor (VITOM®) with 3D Visualization technology was developed and has been used with favorable results by several surgical specialties. Our study aims to be a preliminary report for initial experience using the VITOM® 3D system for microsurgical varicocelectomy on varicocele patients. METHODS We performed 35 microsurgical varicocelectomy procedures using the VITOM® 3D system on varying types and grades of varicoceles. The surgeon had the option of using either a 2.5 or 3.5 magnifying loupe in addition to the exoscope for each operation evaluated. The exoscope is a standalone camera head with an integrated 3D telescope and remote control with zoom and focus functions. It is connected to the 3D monitor via a mechanical holding arm. During the procedure, surgeons, assistants, and observers were able to view the 3D high-definition stream displayed on a 26-inch 3D monitor at a convenient viewing angle and distance. The varicocele ligation was performed using a Carl Zeiss Meditec AG microscope. RESULTS There were 35 patients with varicocele aged 31.51 years old on average, which were included in this report. Most patients had grade 3 bilateral varicocele (n = 13, 37.1%). All procedures were performed without any intraoperative complications. After the procedures, only a few patients suffered from postoperative complications. Three patients suffered scrotal edema (8.6%), while another had hydrocele (2.9%). The postoperative pain results were also very minimal from .89 1 day after the operation to .26 3 days after the operation. CONCLUSION The VITOM® 3D system showed promise in microsurgical varicocelectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gede Wirya Kusuma Duarsa
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah General Hospital, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | - Yudhistira Pradnyan Kloping
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Soetomo General-Academic Hospital, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Gede Wirya Diptanala Duarsa
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Besut Daryanto
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Paksi Satyagraha
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
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Cannarella R, Shah R, Hamoda TAAAM, Boitrelle F, Saleh R, Gul M, Rambhatla A, Kavoussi P, Toprak T, Harraz AM, Ko E, Çeker G, Durairajanayagam D, Alkahidi N, Kuroda S, Crafa A, Henkel R, Salvio G, Hazir B, Darbandi M, Bendayan M, Darbandi S, Falcone M, Garrido N, Kosgi R, Sawaid Kaiyal R, Karna K, Phuoc NHV, Birowo P, Colpi GM, de la Rosette J, Pinggera GM, Nguyen Q, Zini A, Zohdy W, Singh R, Saini P, Glina S, Lin H, Mostafa T, Rojas-Cruz C, Arafa M, Calogero AE, Dimitriadis F, Kothari P, Karthikeyan VS, Okada K, Chiba K, Kadıoglu A, Altay B, Turunc T, Zilaitiene B, Gokalp F, Adamyan A, Katz D, Chung E, Mierzwa TC, Zylbersztejn DS, Paul GM, Sofikitis N, Sokolakis I, Malhotra V, Brodjonegoro SR, Adriansjah R, Tsujimura A, Amano T, Balercia G, Ziouziou I, Deswanto IA, Martinez M, Park HJ, Bakırcıoglu ME, Ceyhan E, Aydos K, Ramsay J, Minhas S, Al Hashimi M, Ghayda RA, Tadros N, Sindhwani P, Ho CC, Rachman RI, Rodriguez Pena M, Motawi A, Ponnusamy AK, Dipankar S, Amir A, Binsaleh S, Serefoglu EC, Banthia R, Khalafalla K, Basukarno A, Bac NH, Singla K, Ambar RF, Makarounis K, Priyadarshi S, Duarsa GWK, Atmoko W, Jindal S, Arianto E, Akhavizadegan H, El Bardisi H, Shoshany O, Busetto GM, Moussa M, Jamali M, Al-Marhoon MS, Ruzaev M, Farsi HMA, Mutambirwa S, Lee DS, Kulaksiz D, Cheng YS, Bouzouita A, Sarikaya S, Kandil H, Tsampoukas G, Farkouh A, Bowa K, Savira M, Mogharabian N, Le TV, Harjanggi M, Anh DT, Long TQT, Soebadi MA, Hakim L, Tanic M, Ari UC, Parikh FR, Calik G, KV V, Dorji G, Rezano A, Rajmil O, Tien DMB, Yuan Y, Lizarraga-Salas JF, Eze B, Ngoo KS, Lee J, Arslan U, Agarwal A. Does Varicocele Repair Improve Conventional Semen Parameters? A Meta-Analytic Study of Before-After Data. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:92-132. [PMID: 37382284 PMCID: PMC10782123 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this meta-analysis is to study the impact of varicocele repair in the largest cohort of infertile males with clinical varicocele by including all available studies, with no language restrictions, comparing intra-person conventional semen parameters before and after the repair of varicoceles. MATERIALS AND METHODS The meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA-P and MOOSE guidelines. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Eligible studies were selected according to the PICOS model (Population: infertile male patients with clinical varicocele; Intervention: varicocele repair; Comparison: intra-person before-after varicocele repair; Outcome: conventional semen parameters; Study type: randomized controlled trials [RCTs], observational and case-control studies). RESULTS Out of 1,632 screened abstracts, 351 articles (23 RCTs, 292 observational, and 36 case-control studies) were included in the quantitative analysis. The before-and-after analysis showed significant improvements in all semen parameters after varicocele repair (except sperm vitality); semen volume: standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.203, 95% CI: 0.129-0.278; p<0.001; I²=83.62%, Egger's p=0.3329; sperm concentration: SMD 1.590, 95% CI: 1.474-1.706; p<0.001; I²=97.86%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm count: SMD 1.824, 95% CI: 1.526-2.121; p<0.001; I²=97.88%, Egger's p=0.0063; total motile sperm count: SMD 1.643, 95% CI: 1.318-1.968; p<0.001; I²=98.65%, Egger's p=0.0003; progressive sperm motility: SMD 1.845, 95% CI: 1.537%-2.153%; p<0.001; I²=98.97%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm motility: SMD 1.613, 95% CI 1.467%-1.759%; p<0.001; l2=97.98%, Egger's p<0.001; sperm morphology: SMD 1.066, 95% CI 0.992%-1.211%; p<0.001; I²=97.87%, Egger's p=0.1864. CONCLUSIONS The current meta-analysis is the largest to date using paired analysis on varicocele patients. In the current meta-analysis, almost all conventional semen parameters improved significantly following varicocele repair in infertile patients with clinical varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Murat Gul
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Department of Reproductive Urology, Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmed M. Harraz
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
- Department of Urology, Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Gökhan Çeker
- Department of Urology, Başakşehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noora Alkahidi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Trinity Health/Mercy Health, Muskegon, MI, USA
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Berk Hazir
- Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marion Bendayan
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marco Falcone
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Raghavender Kosgi
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Renal Transplant, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Raneen Sawaid Kaiyal
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Keshab Karna
- Department of Molecular Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nguyen Ho Vinh Phuoc
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Ponco Birowo
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Giovanni M. Colpi
- Andrology and IVF Center, Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Jean de la Rosette
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Quang Nguyen
- Center for Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Sexual Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wael Zohdy
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rajender Singh
- Central Drug Research Institute, Male Reproductive Health Research Laboratory, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pallavi Saini
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Sidney Glina
- Division of Urology, Centro Universitario FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Cesar Rojas-Cruz
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Aristotle University School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Priyank Kothari
- Department of Urology, Topiwala National Medical College, B.Y.L Nair Ch Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Keisuke Okada
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koji Chiba
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ates Kadıoglu
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baris Altay
- Department of Urology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Birute Zilaitiene
- Institute of Endocrinology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania, Turkey
| | - Fatih Gokalp
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Aram Adamyan
- Department of Urology, Astghik Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Darren Katz
- Men’s Health Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Western Precinct, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Urology, Western Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Gustavo Marquesine Paul
- Department of Clinical Surgery, Health Sciences Sector of the Federal University of Parana (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Sakti Ronggowardhana Brodjonegoro
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Prof. Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ricky Adriansjah
- Department of Urology, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Medical Faculty of Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Amano
- Department of Urology, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Giancarlo Balercia
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Imad Ziouziou
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | | | - Marlon Martinez
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Hyun Jun Park
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | | | - Erman Ceyhan
- Department of Urology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jonathan Ramsay
- Department of Andrology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial, London, UK
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - Manaf Al Hashimi
- Department of Urology, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Clinical Urology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Institute of Urology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas Tadros
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Puneet Sindhwani
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Christopher C.K. Ho
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rinaldo Indra Rachman
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Marcelo Rodriguez Pena
- Instituto de Ginecología y Fertilidad (IFER) y Universidad Barcelo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ahmad Motawi
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Satish Dipankar
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, India
| | - Azwar Amir
- Department of Urology, Dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Saleh Binsaleh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ege Can Serefoglu
- Department of Urology, Biruni University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ravi Banthia
- Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kareim Khalafalla
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Urology Department, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ari Basukarno
- Department of Urology, Dr. Dradjat Hospital, Serang, Indonesia
| | - Nguyen Hoai Bac
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Rafael F. Ambar
- Division of Urology, Centro Universitario FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
- Andrology Department at Ideia Fertil Institute, Santo Andre, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Shivam Priyadarshi
- Department of Urology, Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Gede Wirya Kusuma Duarsa
- Department of Urology, Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology & Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital & Fertility Center, Meerut, India
| | - Eko Arianto
- Department of Urology, Prof R.D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, Indonesia
| | | | - Haitham El Bardisi
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ohad Shoshany
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Univeristy of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Mohamad Moussa
- Department of Urology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mounir Jamali
- Department of Urology, Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | | | - Hasan M. A. Farsi
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shingai Mutambirwa
- Department of Urology, Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Medunsa, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Dong Sup Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Deniz Kulaksiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Yu-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Selcuk Sarikaya
- Department of Urology, Gulhane Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Kasonde Bowa
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Missy Savira
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nasser Mogharabian
- Sexual Health and Fertility Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Tan V. Le
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Dang Tuan Anh
- Tam Anh IVF Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tran Quang Tien Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanoi Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mohammad Ayodhia Soebadi
- Department of Urology, Soetomo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Department of Urology, Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Marko Tanic
- Department of Urology, General Hospital, Cuprija, Serbia
| | - Umut Cagin Ari
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Firuza R. Parikh
- FertilTree-Jaslok International Fertility Centre, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Vinod KV
- Cure & SK Hospital, Trivandrum, India
| | - Gyem Dorji
- Department of Anatomy, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Andri Rezano
- Andrology Study Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Osvaldo Rajmil
- Department of Andrology, Fundacio Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dung Mai Ba Tien
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Yiming Yuan
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Balantine Eze
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Kay Seong Ngoo
- Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Angkatan Tentera Tuanku Mizan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Joe Lee
- Department of Urology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Umut Arslan
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Alkhayal A, Aljumaiah S, Alyami A, Abumelha S, Alrabeeah K. Varicocelectomy outcomes among patients with azoospermia and severe oligasthenoteratozoospermia. Urol Ann 2024; 16:60-63. [PMID: 38415238 PMCID: PMC10896319 DOI: 10.4103/ua.ua_24_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Varicocele is a reversible cause of male infertility. However, there are conflicting data available concerning the benefit of varicocele repair for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Objective To address the benefit of varicocelectomy in patients with severe OAT and NOA with regard to their semen parameters and surgical sperm retrieval rate in those who underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA). Materials and Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted on a sample of 13 patients diagnosed with NOA and severe OAT who underwent varicocelectomy for infertility treatment with no prespecified exclusion criteria. Results Thirteen patients were enrolled. Five patients were diagnosed with NOA; eight were diagnosed with severe OAT. For improvements in the semen parameters postoperatively, the semen concentration of all patients was significantly increased compared to the preoperative concentration (3.59 ± 10.0.8 vs. 0.25 ± 0.31, P = 0.02) and the remaining parameters were unchanged. Regarding sperm retrieval, three patients underwent TESE and two patients underwent TESA, in which all had positive results. Conclusion Varicocele repair was found to improve the semen parameters in patients with NOA and severe OAT and produced a successful surgical sperm retrieval rate in all patients who underwent TESA or TESE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alkhayal
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar Aljumaiah
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alyami
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Abumelha
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alrabeeah
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Huyghe E, Methorst C, Faix A. [Varicocele and male infertility]. Prog Urol 2023; 33:624-635. [PMID: 38012908 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility. It was the subject of recent Association française d'urologie (AFU) Comité d'andrologie et de médecine sexuelle (CAMS) recommendations. Since then, the literature has provided additional information. This review will comprehensively reassess current indications for the treatment of varicocele, and revisit contemporary issues in the light of current advances. METHODS Update of the literature search carried out as part of the CAMS recommendations for the period between 2020 and 2023. RESULTS Microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy remains the surgical treatment of choice for infertile men with clinical varicocele and abnormal sperm parameters. It offers recurrence rates of less than 4%. It significantly improves both natural and in vitro fertilization live birth and pregnancy rates, as well as sperm count, total and progressive motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation rates. All in all, it modifies the MPA strategy in around one in two cases. Varicocele grade and bilaterality are predictive of improved sperm parameters and pregnancy rate. Treatment of subclinical varicocele is not recommended. Complications are rare, notably hydroceles (0.5%), unilateral testicular atrophy due to arterial damage (1/1000), hematomas, delayed healing and postoperative pain. Retrograde embolization is an alternative to surgery. CONCLUSION Whenever possible, the urologist should present and discuss treatment options for varicocele with the MPA team and the patient, taking a personalized approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Huyghe
- Département d'urologie, hôpital de Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Paule-de-Viguier, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; UMR DEFE, Inserm 1203, université de Toulouse, université de Montpellier, Toulouse, France.
| | - C Methorst
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital des Quatre Villes, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - A Faix
- Clinique Saint-Roch, 560, avenue du Colonel-Pavelet-dit-Villars, 34000 Montpellier, France
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5
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Van Muylder A, D'Hooghe T, Luyten J. Economic Evaluation of Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Methodological Systematic Review. Med Decis Making 2023; 43:973-991. [PMID: 37621143 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x231188129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically assisted reproduction (MAR) is a challenging application area for health economic evaluations, entailing a broad range of costs and outcomes, stretching out long-term and accruing to several parties. PURPOSE To systematically review which costs and outcomes are included in published economic evaluations of MAR and to compare these with health technology assessment (HTA) prescriptions about which cost and outcomes should be considered for different evaluation objectives. DATA SOURCES HTA guidelines and systematic searches of PubMed Central, Embase, WOS CC, CINAHL, Cochrane (CENTRAL), HTA, and NHS EED. STUDY SELECTION All economic evaluations of MAR published from 2010 to 2022. DATA EXTRACTION A predetermined data collection form summarized study characteristics. Essential costs and outcomes of MAR were listed based on HTA and treatment guidelines for different evaluation objectives. For each study, included costs and outcomes were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS The review identified 93 cost-effectiveness estimates, of which 57% were expressed as cost-per-(healthy)-live-birth, 19% as cost-per-pregnancy, and 47% adopted a clinic perspective. Few adopted societal perspectives and only 2% used quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Broader evaluations omitted various relevant costs and outcomes related to MAR. There are several cost and outcome categories for which available HTA guidelines do not provide conclusive directions regarding inclusion or exclusion. LIMITATIONS Studies published before 2010 and of interventions not clearly labeled as MAR were excluded. We focus on methods rather than which MAR treatments are cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS Economic evaluations of MAR typically calculate a short-term cost-per-live-birth from a clinic perspective. Broader analyses, using cost-per-QALY or BCRs from societal perspectives, considering the full scope of reproduction-related costs and outcomes, are scarce and often incomplete. We provide a summary of costs and outcomes for future research guidance and identify areas requiring HTA methodological development. HIGHLIGHTS The cost-effectiveness of MAR procedures can be exceptionally complex to estimate as there is a broad range of costs and outcomes involved, in principle stretching out over multiple generations and over many stakeholders.We list 21 key areas of costs and outcomes of MAR. Which of these needs to be accounted for alters for different evaluation objectives (determined by the type of economic evaluation, time horizon considered, and perspective).Published studies mostly investigate cost-effectiveness in the very short-term, from a clinic perspective, expressed as cost-per-live-birth. There is a lack of comprehensive economic evaluations that adopt a broader perspective with a longer time horizon. The broader the evaluation objective, the more relevant costs and outcomes were excluded.For several costs and outcomes, particularly those relevant for broader, societal evaluations of MAR, the inclusion or exclusion is theoretically ambiguous, and HTA guidelines do not offer sufficient guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Van Muylder
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (AVM, JL); Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium (TD); Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (TD); Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (TD). The review was written at the Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy. It was presented at the ESHRE 38th Annual Meeting (Milan 2022). The authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten have no conflicting interests to declare. The participation of Thomas D'Hooghe to this publication is part of his academic work; he does not see a conflict of interest as Merck KGaA was not involved in writing this article. The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: We acknowledge an internal funding from KU Leuven for this study. The funding agreement ensured the authors' independence in designing the study, interpreting the data, writing, and publishing the report. The following authors are employed by the sponsor: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (AVM, JL); Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium (TD); Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (TD); Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (TD). The review was written at the Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy. It was presented at the ESHRE 38th Annual Meeting (Milan 2022). The authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten have no conflicting interests to declare. The participation of Thomas D'Hooghe to this publication is part of his academic work; he does not see a conflict of interest as Merck KGaA was not involved in writing this article. The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: We acknowledge an internal funding from KU Leuven for this study. The funding agreement ensured the authors' independence in designing the study, interpreting the data, writing, and publishing the report. The following authors are employed by the sponsor: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten
| | - Jeroen Luyten
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (AVM, JL); Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium (TD); Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (TD); Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (TD). The review was written at the Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy. It was presented at the ESHRE 38th Annual Meeting (Milan 2022). The authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten have no conflicting interests to declare. The participation of Thomas D'Hooghe to this publication is part of his academic work; he does not see a conflict of interest as Merck KGaA was not involved in writing this article. The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: We acknowledge an internal funding from KU Leuven for this study. The funding agreement ensured the authors' independence in designing the study, interpreting the data, writing, and publishing the report. The following authors are employed by the sponsor: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten
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Eisenberg ML, Esteves SC, Lamb DJ, Hotaling JM, Giwercman A, Hwang K, Cheng YS. Male infertility. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:49. [PMID: 37709866 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00459-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Clinical infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of trying. Male factors are estimated to contribute to 30-50% of cases of infertility. Infertility or reduced fertility can result from testicular dysfunction, endocrinopathies, lifestyle factors (such as tobacco and obesity), congenital anatomical factors, gonadotoxic exposures and ageing, among others. The evaluation of male infertility includes detailed history taking, focused physical examination and selective laboratory testing, including semen analysis. Treatments include lifestyle optimization, empirical or targeted medical therapy as well as surgical therapies that lead to measurable improvement in fertility. Although male infertility is recognized as a disease with effects on quality of life for both members of the infertile couple, fewer data exist on specific quantification and impact compared with other health-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Dolores J Lamb
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Kathleen Hwang
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yu-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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7
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Franco A, Proietti F, Palombi V, Savarese G, Guidotti M, Leonardo C, Ferro F, Manna C, Franco G. Varicocele: To Treat or Not to Treat? J Clin Med 2023; 12:4062. [PMID: 37373755 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicocele treatment in infertility still remains controversial. It is clear, in fact, that in many patients, varicocele has no impact on fertility. Recent scientific evidence demonstrated that varicocele treatment is beneficial in improving semen parameters and pregnancy rate when an appropriate selection of patients is made. The purpose of treating varicocele in adults is mainly to improve current fertility status. On the other hand, the goal of treatment in adolescents is to prevent testicular injury and maintain testicular function for future fertility. Hence, the key to the success of varicocele treatment seems to be a correct indication. The aim of this study is to review and summarize current evidence in managing varicocele treatment focusing on the controversies regarding surgical indications in adolescent and adult patients, and in other specific situations such as azoospermia, bilateral or subclinical varicocele, and prior to ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Franco
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Proietti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Palombi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Savarese
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Guidotti
- Department of Urology, Nuovo Ospedale dei Castelli, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Costantino Leonardo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Manna
- Biofertility IVF and Infertility Center, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Franco
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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8
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Wang Z, Zhou Z, Zhang L, Li X, Li M, Pan Y, Jiao T, Shi X, Liu Q, Wang C, Wang Y. Efficacy and safety of nonpharmacological strategies for the treatment of oligoasthenospermia: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:6. [PMID: 36600309 PMCID: PMC9811722 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligoasthenospermia (OAT) is the most common cause of male infertility, and the annual incidence of the disease continues to increase due to changing lifestyle habits, increased work pressure and increased environmental pollution. A variety of nonpharmacological therapies have been reported to be effective for treating OAT; however, there is a lack of direct evidence comparing these different nonpharmacological therapies. Therefore, the optimal strategy has yet to be identified. OBJECTIVES A network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nonpharmacological treatments for OAT, thus providing an evidence-based medical reference for the clinical treatment of oligoasthenospermia. METHODS The Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Weipu (VIP), Wan Fang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and China Biomedical Literature (CBM) databases were searched from inception to April 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined nonpharmacological treatments for oligozoospermia. Grey literature was also searched. Studies that met the quality criteria were analysed using Stata 16.0 and Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 4629 publications were initially retrieved; ultimately, 38 RCTs were analysed, including 8 nonpharmacological therapies and 3080 patients. Each intervention outperformed the sham intervention and no treatment approaches in terms of improved efficacy. In terms of improved total effective rate and sperm concentration, warming acupuncture may be the most effective treatment (SUCRA = 80.1% and 93.4%, respectively). Electroacupuncture perhaps resulted in the best improvement in sperm motility a% and a + b% (SUCRA = 96.6% and 82.0%, respectively). In terms of the incidence of adverse reactions, the three safest interventions probably were no treatment, warming acupuncture, and sham intervention (SUCRA = 88.0%, 68.8% and 62.9%, respectively). In terms of improving the reproductive hormones FSH, LH, and T, the best interventions perhaps were hyperbaric oxygen, 2 Hz TEAS, and electroacupuncture (SUCRA = 85.1%, 96.8% and 99.4%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Nonpharmacological treatments for oligoasthenospermia have good clinical efficacy. Warm acupuncture and electroacupuncture have better overall efficacy and safety. These treatment approaches can be recommended based on the actual situation. If a patient is complicated with varicoceles, they should be removed before symptomatic treatment. Due to the limitations of the quality of the included studies, the findings need to be further validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ziyang Zhou
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xujie Li
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Miaoxiu Li
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yankun Pan
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tiyong Jiao
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Shi
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qing Liu
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Congan Wang
- grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Neck, Shoulder, Waist and Leg Pain Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongquan Wang
- grid.479672.9Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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9
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Liu X, Liu D, Pan C, Su H. Nomogram for Predicting Semen Parameters Improvement after Microscopic Varicocelectomy in Infertile Men with Abnormal Semen Parameters. J Pers Med 2022; 13:jpm13010011. [PMID: 36675673 PMCID: PMC9865251 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Information on the prediction of improved semen parameters following varicocelectomy is scarce and mostly contradictory. Therefore, we developed and validated a nomogram to predict whether abnormal semen parameters in infertile men could improve following microscopic varicocelectomy (MSV). Methods: From January 2018 to December 2021, 460 consecutive patients who underwent MSV were included. Of them, 336 patients as a development cohort at the Xiang Hua institution. As a validation cohort, Hu Nan Center (124 patients) was used. Clinicopathologic patient information was recorded. The likelihood ratio test using Akaike’s information criteria was employed as the stopping rule, and multivariate logistic regression was utilized to create a prediction model with regression coefficients. The effectiveness of this prediction model was evaluated based on its ability of discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Results: The initial total progressively motile sperm count (TPMSC) and vein diameter were predictors of this model. The model demonstrated strong discrimination for the validation cohort, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.925 (p < 0.001), and strong calibration (unreliability test, p = 0.522). The decision curve study proved the model’s clinical applicability. Conclusion: According to our research, the improvement of semen parameters in infertile men following MSV was significantly predicted by greater vein diameter and higher initial TPMSC. This nomogram aids in individualized decision-making on the varicocele preoperative treatment plan and may help to enhance the therapeutic result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Dongmei Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Chunyu Pan
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Hui Su
- Department of Sleep Medical Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18940259183; Fax: +86-024-83955092
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10
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Liu L, Li J, Liu G, Pan C, Bai S, Zhan Y, Shan L. Nomogram for predicting spontaneous pregnancy after microscopic varicocelectomy in infertile men with normal hormone. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:791. [PMID: 36289465 PMCID: PMC9598027 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The current challenge for the treatment of varicocele is identifying patients who could benefit the most from surgery. We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting spontaneous pregnancy following microscopic varicocelectomy in infertile men, based on a large cohort. Methods Two hundred eighty-two consecutive patients who underwent microscopic varicocelectomy from January 2018 to December 2020 were enrolled as participants in the study. Xiang Hua center (206 patients) as a development cohort. Hu Nan center (76 patients) as a validation cohort. Patient clinicopathologic data were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was used to build a predictive model with regression coefficients. Then, backward stepwise selection was applied, and the likelihood ratio test with Akaike’s information criterion was used as the stopping rule. The performance of this predictive model was assessed for discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. Results Predictors of this model included the age of female partners, diameter of veins, initial and increased total progressively motile sperm count. The model demonstrated good discrimination with an AUROC of 0.925 (p < 0.001) and calibration (Unreliability test, p = 0.522) in the validation cohort. Furthermore, the model was clinically useful, according to decision curve analysis. Conclusions Our findings indicated that younger female partners, larger diameter of veins, higher initial and increased total progressively motile sperm count were significant predictors of spontaneous pregnancy in infertile men, post microscopic varicocelectomy. This nomogram may assist in individual decision-making on the treatment strategy of varicocele preoperatively and improve the treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Liu
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia Li
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004 China
| | - Gang Liu
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004 China
| | - Chunyu Pan
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004 China
| | - Song Bai
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004 China
| | - Yunhong Zhan
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004 China
| | - Liping Shan
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004 China
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11
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Calvert JK, Fendereski K, Ghaed M, Bearelly P, Patel DP, Hotaling JM. The male infertility evaluation still matters in the era of high efficacy assisted reproductive technology. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:34-46. [PMID: 35725120 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Today's reproductive endocrinology and infertility providers have many tools at their disposal when it comes to achieving pregnancy. In the setting of highly efficacious assisted reproductive technology, it is natural to assume that male factor infertility can be overcome by acquiring sperm and then bypassing the male evaluation. In this review, we go through guideline statements and a stepwise male factor infertility evaluation to propose that a thorough male evaluation remains important to optimize pregnancy and live birth. The foundation of this parallel evaluation is referral to a reproductive urologist for the optimization of the male partner, for advanced diagnostics and interventions, and for the detection of other underlying male pathology. We also discuss what future developments might have an impact on the workup of the infertile male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua K Calvert
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kiarad Fendereski
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Mohammadali Ghaed
- Urology Department, Rasool Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Priyanka Bearelly
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Darshan P Patel
- Department of Urology, University of California San Diego Health, San Diego, California
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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12
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Shomarufov AB, Bozhedomov VA, Akilov FA, Mukhtarov ST, Giyasov SI, Abbosov SA, Kamalov AA. Prediction of reproductive function recovery after microsurgical varicocelectomy in men from infertile couples: Clinical and laboratory predictors. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14101. [PMID: 33961713 DOI: 10.1111/and.14101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to reveal predictors for fertility recovery after varicocelectomy in subfertile men. This retrospective study recruited 93 men with clinical varicocele and pathozoospermia who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy. Stepwise discriminant analysis was performed to identify predictors of spontaneous pregnancy (SP) after surgery. 'Clinically significant improvement' (CSI) following varicocelectomy was defined as an increase in total progressively motile sperm count (TPMSC) by at least 12.5 million (calculated from WHO-2010 reference values). 52% of patients showed CSI, and 28% reported SP after surgery. Patients who reported SP (group II), compared to that remained infertile (group I), were younger (27.3 ± 2.9 versus 30.2 ± 4.2 years; p < .01), had less infertility period (24.1 ± 14.0 versus 44.4 ± 32.9 months; p < .05) and had initially higher TPMSC (median (25% -75%) = 34 (11-67) versus 9.5 (0-33) mln; p < .05). The stepwise discriminant analysis showed that male age (coefficient value = -0.157), total sperm motility (0.024) and postoperative increase in TPMSC (0.010) were the significant predictors of SP. The predictive ability, sensitivity and specificity of the discriminant function were 84%, 87%, 76% respectively. This algorithm can be recommended after varicocelectomy in decision-making on natural conception or the ART protocols usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizbek B Shomarufov
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Urology (clinical center - Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Urology), Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Vladimir A Bozhedomov
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Farkhad A Akilov
- Department of Urology (clinical center - Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Urology), Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Shukhrat T Mukhtarov
- Department of Urology (clinical center - Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Urology), Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Shukhrat I Giyasov
- Department of Urology (clinical center - Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Urology), Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Shukhrat A Abbosov
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Urology (clinical center - Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Urology), Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Armais A Kamalov
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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13
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Majzoub A, ElBardisi H, Covarrubias S, Mak N, Agarwal A, Henkel R, ElSaid S, Al-Malki AH, Arafa M. Effect of microsurgical varicocelectomy on fertility outcome and treatment plans of patients with severe oligozoospermia: An original report and meta-analysis. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14059. [PMID: 33763931 DOI: 10.1111/and.14059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele ligation has been proven to restore semen parameters and improve pregnancy rates in men with clinical disease. However, its effect in men with severe oligozoospermia (SO) is less clearly elucidated. This original report and meta-analysis examined the impact of subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy on semen parameters and fertility outcomes of men with SO. A retrospective chart review of 85 patients was conducted on patients with SO who underwent microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy. A literature search was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 8 studies investigating the effects of varicocele ligation in men with SO were included for the meta-analysis. The original study reported significant improvements in semen parameters following surgery. 78 patients had a pre-operative TMSC < 5 million. Following surgery, 9 (11.5%) patients had a total motile sperm count (TMSC) between 5 and 9 million, while 14 (17.9%) patients had a TMSC > 9 million. Furthermore, the meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increase in sperm count, total motility and TMSC following surgery. The reported natural pregnancy rate was 27.5%. Varicocelectomy does present as an important treatment option for SO patients because improvements in TMSC can broaden their fertility treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Clinical Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Haitham ElBardisi
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Clinical Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Simryn Covarrubias
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Mak
- Bernard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Sami ElSaid
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Clinical Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmad H Al-Malki
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Clinical Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Andrology Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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14
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Methorst C, Akakpo W, Graziana JP, Ferretti L, Yiou R, Morel-Journel N, Terrier JE, Beley S, Carnicelli D, Hupertan V, Madec FX, Faix A, Marcelli F, Huyghe E. [Recommendations of the Committee of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the AFU concerning the management of Varicocele]. Prog Urol 2020; 31:119-130. [PMID: 33308982 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of varicocele is clinical, carried out in supine and standing position and in Valsalva maneuver. Only clinical varicoceles have to be treated. A scrotal ultrasound with Doppler is generally performed as part of the infertile man's evaluation or in case of examination difficulties. The main indication for varicocele treatment is the adult man with clinical varicocele and abnormalities of sperm parameters, in a context of infertility of couple, with a partner having a satisfactory ovarian reserve and no cause of female infertility or a curable infertility cause. The decision to treat varicocele must therefore be taken after evaluation of the two partners of the couple. Adults with symptomatic varicocele and those with spermogram abnormalities may also be offered a cure for their varicocele even in the absence of a paternity plan, as well as adolescents with reduced testicular growth, an ipsilateral decrease testicular volume, or a size gradient between the 2 testes. The cure of varicocele can be carried out by surgery or by percutaneous embolization. Microsurgery (inguinal or subinguinal) offers lower rates of recurrence and complications than high surgical approaches (laparoscopic or not) and surgeries without magnification. It is therefore the reference surgical technique. Percutaneous retrograde embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to microsurgery offering satisfactory outcomes with rare and often benign complications. The cure for varicocele results in an improvement in sperm parameters and recent data seem to confirm that it increases the natural pregnancy rate. These results appear after a delay of 3 to 9 months (at least 1 to 2 cycles of spermatogenesis). When the sperm involvement was severe (azoospermia, severe oligospermia), the improvement of the spermogram allow (1) to avoid surgery testicular sperm extraction or (2) perform intrauterine insemination rather than ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Methorst
- Service d'urologie, CH des quatre villes, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - W Akakpo
- Service d'urologie, Hôpital universitaire de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - J P Graziana
- Clinique mutualiste de la porte de l'Orient, Lorient, France
| | - L Ferretti
- Service d'urologie, Hôpital d'instruction des armées Robert Picqué, Villenave-d'Ornon, France
| | - R Yiou
- Service d'urologie, CHU Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | | | - J E Terrier
- Hôpital privé de La Châtaignerie, Beaumont, France
| | - S Beley
- Service d'urologie, Hôpital américain, Paris, France
| | - D Carnicelli
- Service d'urologie, CHU Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - V Hupertan
- Cabinet médical Paris Batignolles, Paris, France
| | - F X Madec
- Service d'urologie, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - A Faix
- 265, avenue des États du Languedoc, Montpellier
| | - F Marcelli
- Service d'urologie, CHRU de Lille, France
| | - E Huyghe
- Département d'urologie, Transplantation Rénale et Andrologie, CHU de Toulouse, site de Rangueil, Toulouse, France.
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15
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Abstract
Clinically, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a certain period. In contrast, sterility is defined as the inability to produce a biological child; however, this is not a practical definition that can be applied in a clinical setting to a patient’s diagnosis. Unlike infertility, sterility is rarely discussed in biomedical and clinical literature and is often used synonymously with infertility. Infertility affects about 10% of couples globally, but the prevalence of sterility remains unknown. We divide sterility into three subtypes natural, clinical, and hardship. To estimate sterility prevalence, we analyzed primary literature and meta-analysis papers on the rates of live births and pregnancies throughout several treatments of infertile couples (e.g., untreated patients, in vitro fertilization-treated, and patients administered other treatments). This analysis indicates that all treatments fail in delivering a biological child to most couples, suggesting that most infertile couples may fail to conceive. More comprehensive primary studies are needed to provide a precise estimate of sterility. Furthermore, research is needed to study the causes of sterility, as well as develop methods for diagnosis and treatment that are financially affordable and emotionally tolerable. Altogether, sterility is an under-discussed condition that is more common than expected, as many infertile couples are unable to conceive and are, in effect, sterile.
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16
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Miller D, Vukina J. Recent advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment of male factor infertility. Postgrad Med 2020; 132:28-34. [PMID: 32990123 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2020.1830589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a significant global health issue affecting around 8-12% of couples worldwide with male factor infertility accounting for a substantial proportion of these cases. Despite significant advances within the past few decades, an etiology for male factor infertility cannot be identified in up to 80% of patients and thus, this continues to be an area of active study. This review aims to provide an update on recent advances in the field of male infertility including semen analysis and at-home semen testing, genetics, DNA fragmentation, surgical approaches, and the rise of telemedicine in the era of COVID19.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Miller
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Josip Vukina
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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17
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Maheshwari A, Muneer A, Lucky M, Mathur R, McEleny K. A review of varicocele treatment and fertility outcomes. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:1-8. [PMID: 32635774 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1785117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Varicoceles are reported to be present in a significant proportion of men presenting with subfertility and are more common amongst this group than in the general population. Opinion still remains divided amongst clinicians managing male factor infertility as to whether varicoceles alter the probability of spontaneous conception and/or pregnancy and live birth rates after fertility treatment. The debate as to whether varicoceles should be treated or not has intensified in recent years. This is due to the concerns regarding the impact of varicoceles on not only conventional semen parameters, but also the potential effects that they may have at the cellular level (an increase in circulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in sperm DNA fragmentation, even when conventional semen parameters are within the normal reference ranges). It has been suggested that treating the varicocele may result in improvements in the semen parameters, the fertilization and pregnancy rates for both spontaneous pregnancy as well as following in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. ICSI can still be used for Assisted Reproduction Treatment (ART) in the presence of suboptimal semen parameters. However, it is an invasive and expensive technique with potential adverse effects on the offspring. As far as we are aware, there are no randomized controlled trials comparing the clinical/cost effectiveness of varicocele treatment versus the immediate use of ICSI on pregnancy rates. Previous modelling exercises are old and do not take into consideration current practices and trends such as rising female age and time to pregnancy. The conflicting advice that patients sometimes receive, challenges our commitment to evidence-based practice. The only way to resolve the controversy is to undertake an appropriately powered randomized trial, assessing clinical- and cost-effectiveness and the time to pregnancy following varicocele treatment and comparing this to a no treatment group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asif Muneer
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre University College London Hospital, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marc Lucky
- Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Kevin McEleny
- Newcastle Fertility Centre, International Centre for Life, Newcastle, UK
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18
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Kohn JR, Haney NM, Nichols PE, Rodriguez KM, Kohn TP. Varicocele Repair Prior to Assisted Reproductive Technology: Patient Selection and Special Considerations. Res Rep Urol 2020; 12:149-156. [PMID: 32426301 PMCID: PMC7196200 DOI: 10.2147/rru.s198934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical varicoceles are one of the most commonly identified physical exam abnormalities in men presenting with infertility. Clinical varicoceles can cause impaired spermatogenesis and surgical correction can improve semen parameters in select men. Increasingly, andrologists are performing varicocele repairs prior to intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to boost male fertility potential. In this review, we evaluated the available literature 1) to determine if varicocelectomy prior to IUI or assisted reproductive technologies proved to improve sperm production or pregnancy outcomes; and 2) to identify who may be the ideal candidate for pre-IUI/ART varicocelectomy. Overall, few studies have explored this topic and little can be concluded about the impact of varicocelectomy prior to IUI. The evidence, however, does support that correcting a clinical varicocele can increase pregnancy outcomes in couples who plan to pursue IVF or ICSI. When selecting patients for varicocelectomy prior to IUI or ART, clinicians should evaluate female age as improvement in semen parameters can take 6 months after varicocelectomy and this duration of time may be deleterious in cases of advanced maternal age when each cycle becomes increasingly important. Overall, the currently limited literature regarding clinical varicoceles correction demonstrates that pregnancy rates can be increased when comparing patients who have undergone varicocelectomy prior to ART with those who had clinical varicocele but did not undergo surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaden R Kohn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nora M Haney
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Katherine M Rodriguez
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Taylor P Kohn
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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Abstract
Although infertility is now recognized as a disease by multiple organizations including the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association, private insurance companies rarely include coverage for infertility treatments. In this review, the authors assess the current state of care delivery for male infertility care in the United States. They discuss the scope of male infertility as well as the unique burdens it places on patients and review emerging market forces that could affect the future of care delivery for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Oakley Strasser
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, SPC 5330 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5330, USA.
| | - James M Dupree
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, SPC 5330 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5330, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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20
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We aim to provide a review of the literature to summarize the potential causes that lead to a disparity in infertility evaluation and the implications of male factor infertility. RECENT FINDINGS Owing to current social constructs, women are more likely to seek medical attention and establish reproductive health evaluation at an earlier age. The male factor evaluation in infertility usually gets delayed and can contribute to a couple's inability to conceive. Furthermore, the cost of assisted reproductive technology is not inconsequential and identifying reversible causes of male infertility could lead to substantial cost-savings to the couple. Additionally, male infertility has been identified as a potential early surrogate for adverse health outcomes and an early identification could serve to counsel these patients on lifestyle modification. SUMMARY Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse with 15% of couples reporting difficulties in conception. Traditionally, female factor evaluation has been the driver for the infertility workup. It is estimated that male factor is likely to play a role in 50% of infertile couples with sole contribution in 20% of cases. It is therefore crucial to ensure appropriate investigations of both partners to rule out potentially reversible causes of infertility to improve their chances of natural fecundity.
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21
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Elbardisi H, El Ansari W, Majzoub A, Arafa M. Does varicocelectomy improve semen in men with azoospermia and clinically palpable varicocele? Andrologia 2019; 52:e13486. [PMID: 31825116 DOI: 10.1111/and.13486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of varicocelectomy in nonobstructive azoospermia is controversial. The current study assessed the efficacy of microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy in nonobstructive azoospermic men with palpable varicocele and to evaluate predictive parameters of outcome. We reviewed the records of 723 patients who had microsurgical varicocelectomy and diagnostic testicular biopsy between 2012 and 2016 at a tertiary medical centre. Data pertaining to the physical, laboratory (semen analysis and hormonal profile) and histopathology features were examined, exploring the predictors of improvement in semen analysis post-varicocelectomy. In total, 42 patients with mean age 35.71 ± 6.35 years were included. After a mean varicocelectomy follow-up of 6.7 months, motile spermatozoa in the ejaculate could be observed in 11 patients (26.2). Out of all the factors examined, only testicular histopathology significantly predicted post-varicocelectomy outcome, where 8/11 patients exhibited hypospermatogenesis, and 3/11 Sertoli cell-only regained spermatozoa in semen. Microsurgical varicocelectomy in nonobstructive azoospermic men with clinically palpable varicocele can result in sperm appearance in the ejaculate with the highest success expected in hypospermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Elbardisi
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Walid El Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,School of Health and Education, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mohamad Arafa
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Andrology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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22
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Wang Q, Yu Y, Liu Y, Wang L. Outcome of varicocelectomy on different degrees of total motile sperm count: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2019; 65:430-436. [PMID: 31434522 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2019.1655813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qun Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Libo Wang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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23
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Thirumavalavan N, Scovell JM, Balasubramanian A, Kohn TP, Ji B, Hasan A, Pastuszak AW, Lipshultz LI. The Impact of Microsurgical Repair of Subclinical and Clinical Varicoceles on Total Motile Sperm Count: Is There a Difference? Urology 2018; 120:109-113. [PMID: 29981299 PMCID: PMC6221979 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2018.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if subclinical varicocele repair produces similar results to palpable varicocele repair. METHODS Retrospective review was performed on 190 infertile men who underwent a microsurgical varicocele repair by two surgeons from 2009 to 2017. Improvement in total motile sperm count (TMC) that enables men limited to in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) to undergo IUI or natural conception (upgrade) is clinically meaningful. Using TMC, men were grouped into three pre- and postoperative categories: IVF, (TMC < 5 million), IUI (TMC 5-9 million), or natural pregnancy (TMC > 9 million). Changes in category after varicocele repair were assessed. We compared the proportion of men in each category with clinical varicoceles to those with subclinical varicoceles. RESULTS Men with clinical and subclinical varicoceles had improvements in TMC after surgery (change in TMC of 9.3 ± 19.5, 7.7 ± 22.6 million, P < 0.001 for both, respectively). There was no difference in TMC improvement between men with clinical and subclinical varicoceles (P = 0.66). Of men initially limited to IVF, 11% improved to IUI, and 38% to natural pregnancy. Of patients starting in IUI category, 22% transitioned to natural pregnancy category. No difference exists in the proportion of men who "upgraded" between palpable or subclinical varicoceles. CONCLUSION Men with subclinical varicoceles have similar, clinically meaningful improvement in TMC after varicocele repair compared with men with palpable varicoceles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason M Scovell
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Taylor P Kohn
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Byung Ji
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Asad Hasan
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Larry I Lipshultz
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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24
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Masterson TA, Greer AB, Ramasamy R. Time to improvement in semen parameters after microsurgical varicocelectomy in men with severe oligospermia. Can Urol Assoc J 2018; 13:E66-E69. [PMID: 30169150 DOI: 10.5489/cuaj.5408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to determine the time and predictive factors of semen quality improvement in men with severe oligospermia after microsurgical varicocelectomy. METHODS Men with total motile sperm count (TMSC) <5 million on two semen analyses were identified from May 2015 to August 2017. Postoperative semen analysis was collected at 3-6 months and >6 months. We evaluated preoperative factors for successful semen quality upgrading based on assisted reproductive technology (ART) eligibility: in vitro fertilization [IVF] (<5 million), intrauterine insemination (IUI) (5-9 million), and natural pregnancy (>9 million). We compared men with TMSC <5 million to those with TMSC 5-9 million. Data are reported as means and standard error of the mean (SEM). Pregnancy data was collected by phone interview at >6 months postoperatively RESULTS: A total of 33 men were included. TMSC improved from 1.5±0.2 to 7.3±1.8 million at 3-6 months (p<0.05) and 12.2±3.6 million at >6 months (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in TMSC between 3-6 months and >6 months. Sixteen (48.5%) men upgraded semen quality into the range of natural pregnancy. Preoperative TMSC from 2-5 million was predictive of upgrading semen quality. Twenty-four couples were contacted by phone; 20 were attempting pregnancy in the postoperative period and five (25%) of them had achieved natural pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Men with TMSC <5 million can expect the largest improvement in TMSC from 3-6 months postoperatively with minimal improvement thereafter. Preoperative TMSC >2 million was most predictive of semen quality upgrading.
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25
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Morin SJ, Scott RT. Knowledge gaps in male infertility: a reproductive endocrinology and infertility perspective. Transl Androl Urol 2018; 7:S283-S291. [PMID: 30159234 PMCID: PMC6087846 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2018.05.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive research has moved forward at a remarkable pace. Some of these advances are the result of a separation between male and female specialties, allowing focused study in specific areas of the field. However, the different training programs between male and female fertility specialists has created an environment in which some discoveries are not put in the greater context of clinical care. At times, interventions have been measured against surrogate markers of outcome that may not impact the most meaningful outcome for patients—the delivery of a healthy neonate. For example, medical and surgical interventions that use changes in semen parameters may have a limited impact on the likelihood of achieving a live birth due to the limitations inherent in the semen analysis for predicting outcomes. Other commonly used tests, such as sperm DNA fragmentation assays provide promising biological plausibility to account for subfertility of some male partners. However, until well defined thresholds for predicting outcomes in different treatment scenarios are available, changes in sperm DNA fragmentation testing is not an adequate outcome for measuring the utility of interventions. The biggest limitation for these tests remains their analysis of bulk semen. Tests allowing interrogation of the reproductive competence of a given sperm, while allowing that sperm to be used in assisted reproductive technology procedures remain elusive. Progress toward reaching this end (whether by hyaluronic acid binding, IMSI, or Ramen spectroscopy) is underway, but much remains to be learned. Achieving testing and capture of individual sperm would better facilitate studies that measure the most meaningful outcome for patients and providers—the delivery of a healthy baby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Morin
- IVI RMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard T Scott
- IVI RMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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26
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Kohn TP, Ohlander SJ, Jacob JS, Griffin TM, Lipshultz LI, Pastuszak AW. The Effect of Subclinical Varicocele on Pregnancy Rates and Semen Parameters: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Curr Urol Rep 2018; 19:53. [DOI: 10.1007/s11934-018-0798-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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27
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Sönmez MG, Haliloğlu AH. Role of varicocele treatment in assisted reproductive technologies. Arab J Urol 2018; 16:188-196. [PMID: 29713550 PMCID: PMC5922188 DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In this review, we investigate the advantage of varicocele repair prior to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for infertile couples and provide cost analysis information. Materials and methods We searched the following electronic databases: PubMed, Medline, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The following search strategy was modified for the various databases and search engines: 'varicocele', 'varicocelectomy', 'varicocele repair', 'ART', 'in vitro fertilisation (IVF)', 'intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)'. Results A total of 49 articles, including six meta-analyses, 32 systematic reviews, and 11 original articles, were included in the analysis. Bypassing potentially reversible male subfertility factors using ART is currently common practice. However, varicocele may be present in 35% of men with primary infertility and 80% of men with secondary infertility. Varicocele repair has been shown to be an effective treatment for infertile men with clinical varicocele, thus should play an important role in the treatment of such patients due to the foetal/genetic risks and high costs that are associated with increased ART use. Conclusion Varicocele repair is a cost-effective treatment method that can improve semen parameters, pregnancy rates, and live-birth rates in most infertile men with clinical varicocele. By improving semen parameters and sperm structure, varicocele repair can decrease or even eliminate ART requirement.
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Key Words
- ART, assisted reproductive technologies
- Assisted reproductive technology
- CINAHL, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature
- Embase, Excerpta Medica Database
- ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- IUI, intrauterine insemination
- IVF, in vitro fertilisation
- In vitro fertilisation
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- NOA, non-obstructive azoospermia
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SDF, sperm DNA fragmentation
- TESE, testicular sperm extraction
- TMSC, total motile sperm count
- Varicocele
- Varicocelectomy
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet G. Sönmez
- Department of Urology, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
- Corresponding author at: Department of Urology, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey.
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