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Asian Journal of Andrology 2017The present meta-analysis was conducted to compare the clinical effect and patient experience of laparoendoscopic single-site varicocelectomy (LESSV) and conventional... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
Comparison of surgical effect and postoperative patient experience between laparoendoscopic single-site and conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The present meta-analysis was conducted to compare the clinical effect and patient experience of laparoendoscopic single-site varicocelectomy (LESSV) and conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy. The candidate studies were included after literature search of database Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. Related information on essential data and outcome measures was extracted from the eligible studies by two independent authors, and a meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 12.0 software. Subgroup analyses were conducted by study design (RCT and non-RCT). The odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to estimate the outcome measures. Seven articles were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that patient who had undergone LESSV had a shorter duration of back to work (overall: SMD = -1.454, 95% CI: -2.502--0.405, P = 0.007; non-RCT: SMD = -2.906, 95% CI: -3.796--2.017, P = 0.000; and RCT: SMD = -0.841, 95% CI: -1.393--0.289, P = 0.003) and less pain experience at 3 h or 6 h (SMD = -0.447, 95% CI: -0.754--0.139, P = 0.004), day 1 (SMD = -0.477, 95% CI: -0.905--0.05, P = 0.029), and day 2 (SMD = -0.612, 95% CI: -1.099--0.125, P = 0.014) postoperatively based on RCT studies. However, the meta-analyses based on operation time, clinical effect (improvement of semen quality and scrotal pain relief), and complications (hydrocele and recurrence) yielded nonsignificant results. In conclusion, LESSV had a rapid recovery and less pain experience over conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two varicocelectomy techniques in terms of the clinical effect and the incidence of hydrocele and varicocele recurrence. More high-quality studies are warranted for a comprehensive conclusion.
Topics: Endoscopy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Operative Time; Pain, Postoperative; Patient Satisfaction; Postoperative Complications; Semen Analysis; Testicular Hydrocele; Treatment Outcome; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male; Varicocele
PubMed: 27212128
DOI: 10.4103/1008-682X.181194 -
Jornal Vascular Brasileiro Apr 2021This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, including... (Review)
Review
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, including clinical studies in which one of the outcomes was semen parameter improvement after varicocele embolization using coils only. The objective of the review was to assess the evidence on the role of embolization using coils alone for semen parameter improvement in men with varicocele, since embolization using coils is the most cost-effective method of varicocele repair. Study quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). Out of six retrospective and two prospective observational or comparative clinical studies involving 701 patients, semen concentration improved significantly in all five studies that assessed this parameter. Mean semen motility improved significantly in seven studies. The impact of embolization on semen density could not be analyzed.
PubMed: 34093687
DOI: 10.1590/1677-5449.200137 -
Asian Journal of Andrology 2016This study investigated the effects of varicocele on semen parameters in infertile men based on the new 2010 World Health Organization laboratory manual for the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study investigated the effects of varicocele on semen parameters in infertile men based on the new 2010 World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination of human semen. Semen analysis results (volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology) were the primary outcomes. An electronic search to collect the data was conducted using the Medline/PubMed, SJU discover, and Google Scholar databases. We searched articles published from 2010 to August 2015, i.e., after the publication of the 2010 WHO manual. We included only those studies that reported the actual semen parameters of adult infertile men diagnosed with clinical varicocele and contained a control group of either fertile men or normozoospermic men who were not diagnosed with varicocele. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 1232 men. Varicocele was associated with reduced sperm count (mean difference: -44.48 × 10 [6] ml-1 ; 95% CI: -61.45, -27.51 × 10 [6] ml-1 ; P < 0.001), motility (mean difference: -26.67%; 95% CI: -34.27, -19.08; P < 0.001), and morphology (mean difference: -19.68%; 95% CI: -29.28, -10.07; P < 0.001) but not semen volume (mean difference: -0.23 ml; 95% CI: -0.64, 0.17). Subgroup analyses indicated that the magnitude of effect was influenced by control subtype but not WHO laboratory manual edition used for semen assessment. We conclude that varicocele is a significant risk factor that negatively affects semen quality, but the observed pooled effect size on semen parameters does not seem to be affected by the WHO laboratory manual edition. Given most of the studies published after 2010 still utilized the 1999 manual for semen analysis, further research is required to fully understand the clinical implication of the 2010 WHO laboratory manual on the association between varicocele and semen parameters.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Semen; Semen Analysis; Sperm Count; Varicocele; World Health Organization
PubMed: 26780872
DOI: 10.4103/1008-682X.172638 -
The World Journal of Men's Health Jan 2023Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a recognized factor potentially associated with male infertility, but the efficacy of antioxidant (AOX) therapy is controversial and...
PURPOSE
Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a recognized factor potentially associated with male infertility, but the efficacy of antioxidant (AOX) therapy is controversial and there is no consensus on its utility. Primary outcomes of this study were to investigate the effect of AOX on spontaneous clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates in male infertile patients. Secondary outcomes were conventional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and seminal OS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included and the meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
We assessed for eligibility 1,307 abstracts, and 45 RCTs were finally included, for a total of 4,332 infertile patients. We found a significantly higher pregnancy rate in patients treated with AOX compared to placebo-treated or untreated controls, without significant inter-study heterogeneity. No effects on live-birth or miscarriage rates were observed in four studies. A significantly higher sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm total motility, and normal sperm morphology was found in patients compared to controls. We found no effect on SDF in analysis of three eligible studies. Seminal levels of total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher, while seminal malondialdehyde acid was significantly lower in patients than controls. These results did not change after exclusion of studies performed following varicocele repair.
CONCLUSIONS
The present analysis upgrades the level of evidence favoring a recommendation for using AOX in male infertility to improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate and the conventional sperm parameters. The failure to demonstrate an increase in live-birth rate, despite an increase in pregnancy rates, is due to the very few RCTs specifically assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate. Therefore, further RCTs assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate and miscarriage rate, and SDF will be helpful.
PubMed: 36102104
DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220067 -
The Journal of Urology Jan 2020We evaluated the impact of varicocele grade on the response to varicocelectomy or spermatic vein embolization.
PURPOSE
We evaluated the impact of varicocele grade on the response to varicocelectomy or spermatic vein embolization.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We systematically reviewed the published English language literature to identify studies on changes in semen quality and pregnancy outcomes after varicocele treatment, stratified by varicocele grade. Descriptive statistics and continuous random effects models were used to study the impact of varicocele grade and the surgical approach on the response to treatment. Result heterogeneity among studies was analyzed using the I statistic. Quality assessment of nonrandomized studies was done with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Publication bias was analyzed using funnel plots and the Egger test.
RESULTS
We identified 20 studies describing the outcome of varicocele treatment stratified by varicocele grade in a total of 2,001 infertile men with varicocele. A microsurgical approach (inguinal, subinguinal and/or Palomo) was used in 11 of the 20 studies (55%). Varicocele treatment was associated with improvements in sperm concentration and overall motility in patients with all grades of varicocele. Semen quality improvements were directly related to varicocele grade. The mean sperm concentration improvement in men with grades 1, 2, 2-3 and 3 varicoceles were 5.5, 8.9, 12.7 and 16.0 million sperm per ml, respectively. The mean improvement in the percent of overall motility in men with grades 1, 2, 2-3 and 3 varicoceles was 9.6%, 10.6%, 10.8% and 17.7%, respectively. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed but could not be analyzed systematically due to the lack of adequate published data.
CONCLUSIONS
Mean improvements in the sperm concentration and the percent of overall motility after treatment of grade 1 varicocele were statistically significant but small in magnitude. In contrast, mean improvements in the sperm concentration and the percent of overall motility after treatment of grade 2-3 varicoceles were greater and highly likely to be clinically significant. Incorporating varicocele grade into shared decision making discussions with affected couples may improve the ability to select patients who are the best candidates for treatment.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Microsurgery; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Semen Analysis; Varicocele
PubMed: 31042452
DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000000311 -
International Journal of Reproductive... Aug 2021In recent years, the incidence of male infertility has increased worldwide. It is necessary to study the factors that influence male infertility in each area/region for...
BACKGROUND
In recent years, the incidence of male infertility has increased worldwide. It is necessary to study the factors that influence male infertility in each area/region for better management.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the factors affecting male infertility in the Iranian male population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An online search was conducted in electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Scopus to identify articles on the factors associated with male infertility, published in English and Persian. The keywords used to perform the search included "factor", "epidemiology", "causes of infertility", and "male infertility". The search was conducted without a time restriction, up to April 2020.
RESULTS
The search resulted in a total number of 691 studies. After an assessment of the articles, finally 14 studies were included in this study with a total number of 26,324 infertile males. The factors associated with male infertility included semen abnormalities, varicocele and testis disorder, smoking, exposure to heat, obesity, anabolic steroids, vascular abnormalities, anti-spermatogenesis factors, antidepressants, taking ranitidine and cimetidine, penile discharge and genital ulcers, painful micturition, occupational factors, alcohol, chronic disease, sexual disorder, Surgical and urological diseases, genetic factors and herpes infection. Among these, the semen and varicocele disorders were common in most studies.
CONCLUSION
The present review suggests that the factors affecting male infertility in Iran are similar to those reported from other countries. The results of this study can be used in adopting appropriate strategies for infertility management in Iran.
PubMed: 34568728
DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i8.9615 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2020To investigate the effect of primary varicocele and related surgery in male infertility through meta-analysis. A systematic search of the literature was conducted...
To investigate the effect of primary varicocele and related surgery in male infertility through meta-analysis. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and CNKI databases. The search was up to September 2019. Article selection proceeded according to the search strategy based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.2. A random-effects model was used to calculate the overall combined risk estimates. After screening 687 articles, 4 randomized controlled trials with 349 patients were included. One hundred seventy two patients were addressed in embolization/ligation, with 177 patient's observation treatment. The number of spontaneous pregnancies in the two groups was 41 and 40, respectively. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rate between the operation group and the control group. RR = 1.05 [0.72, 1.54]. There is not enough evidence to explain the surgical treatment of varicocele can improve the natural fertility of the infertile couples, and there is still a need for most of prospective randomized controlled trials to verify the efficacy of varicocele surgery for treating of male infertility. We do not deny the importance of this operation, we just want to call on everyone to strictly grasp the indications of the operation, avoid ineffective medical expenses, and avoid unnecessary pain to patients.
PubMed: 33330606
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.586153 -
Fertility and Sterility Sep 2021To evaluate the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation (SDF) rates in infertile men with clinical varicocele. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation (SDF) rates in infertile men with clinical varicocele.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Infertile men with clinical varicocele subjected to varicocelectomy.
INTERVENTION(S)
Systematic search using PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane's central database, Scielo, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published from inception until January 2021. We included studies comparing SDF rates before and after varicocelectomy in infertile men with clinical varicocele.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
The primary outcome was the difference between the SDF rates before and after varicocelectomy. A meta-analysis of weighted data using random-effects models was performed. Results were reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed on the basis of the SDF assay, varicocelectomy technique, preoperative SDF levels, varicocele grade, follow-up time, and study design.
RESULT(S)
Nineteen studies involving 1,070 patients provided SDF data. Varicocelectomy was associated with reduced postoperative SDF rates (WMD -7.23%; 95% CI: -8.86 to -5.59; I = 91%). The treatment effect size was moderate (Cohen's d = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.60). The pooled results were consistent for studies using sperm chromatin structure assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling, sperm chromatin dispersion test, and microsurgical varicocele repair. Subgroup analyses showed that the treatment effect was more pronounced in men with elevated vs. normal preoperative SDF levels, but the impact of varicocele grade remained equivocal. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that SDF decreased after varicocelectomy as a function of preoperative SDF levels (coefficient: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.39).
CONCLUSION(S)
We concluded that pooled results from studies including infertile men with clinical varicocele indicated that varicocelectomy reduced the SDF rates. The treatment effect was greater in men with elevated (vs. normal) preoperative SDF levels. Further research is required to determine the full clinical implications of SDF reduction for these men.
Topics: Adult; DNA Fragmentation; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Spermatozoa; Treatment Outcome; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male; Varicocele
PubMed: 33985792
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.04.003 -
Arab Journal of Urology 2021To investigate the usage and the efficacy of vitamins as primary or adjuvant treatment in infertile men with varicocele.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the usage and the efficacy of vitamins as primary or adjuvant treatment in infertile men with varicocele.
METHODS
A systematic search in PubMed, the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Cochrane Library with the terms (varicocele) AND (vitamins) was performed. We searched for studies: a) reporting the administration of vitamins (individually or as part of a complex) in men with varicocele and infertility, b) primarily or adjuvant to invasive treatment, and c) reporting the impact on semen parameters and/or pregnancy rates. Exclusion criteria were animal, adolescent and non-English studies, grey literature and trials reporting abstracts only.
RESULTS
Seven studies were identified eligible for qualitative analysis. All studies were randomised except one (case series). Vitamins were administered dominantly as part of antioxidant complex and only two studies used vitamins (C and E, respectively) as sole agent. In two studies, vitamin monotherapy resulted in improvement in semen quality, but the effect on pregnancy rates is unknown. One study reported no efficacy of adjuvant multivitamin treatment after embolisation in terms of both semen quality and pregnancy rates. Finally, four studies reported a positive effect of vitamins on semen parameters after varicocelectomy, but the effect on pregnancy rates is conflicting; one study reported improved pregnancy rates with adjuvant treatment, two studies did not evaluate the pregnancy rates, and in one study the outcome was unclear due to missing data.
CONCLUSIONS
Vitamins have been used mostly as part of an antioxidant panel for the management of infertile men with varicocele. Most studies have found a positive impact on semen parameters in selected men with varicocele and infertility, as primary or adjuvant treatment. However, the clinical benefit of vitamins administration on pregnancy rate is under-evaluated and should be the target of future research.
PubMed: 34552778
DOI: 10.1080/2090598X.2021.1932124 -
The British Journal of Radiology Jul 2018The purpose of this study is to assess the current evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of the various embolic materials used in varicoceles embolization. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to assess the current evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of the various embolic materials used in varicoceles embolization.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Databases were searched for clinical studies that investigated the clinical outcomes of embolization treatment for the management of testicular varicoceles. Study methodological quality was analyzed.
RESULTS
23 retrospective and 7 prospective clinical studies were identified with a total of 3505 patients. Technical success rates appear to be above 90% for all embolic materials without any significant differences. In terms of recurrence rates, glue (N = 251) appeared to have the lowest and sclerosants alone (N = 728) the highest recurrence rates which were 4.2% (11-3.08%, SD: 5.9) and 11.03% (18.8-5.15%, SD: 6.06) within an average follow up (f/u) of 16.13 and 25.48 months respectively. Coils alone (N = 898) had an average recurrence rate of 9.1% (17.8-1.4%; SD: 5.79) and a mean f/u of 39.3 months. After an average of 12 months of f/u, the addition of sclerosants (N = 1628) as an adjunct to coils did not improve recurrence rates (8.44%, 16.5-5.1%; SD: 3.4). No differences were reported regarding the safety profile of the various embolic materials.
CONCLUSION
Despite the heterogeneity of the included studies, preliminary evidence supports the safe and effective use of the various embolic materials currently used for the management of varicoceles. At 1 year, glue appears to be the most effective in preventing recurrence with coils being the second most effective. The addition of sclerosants to the coil embolization did not appear to have an impact on recurrence rates. Further research is required to elucidate the cost-effectiveness of these approaches. Advances in knowledge: Varicocele embolization appears to be a safe and effective technique regardless of the embolic agent. Addition of a sclerosant agent to coil embolization does not appear to improve outcomes.
Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Embolization, Therapeutic; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Testicular Diseases; Treatment Outcome; Varicocele
PubMed: 29493263
DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20170445