The effect of varicocele ligation on oocyte fertilization and pregnancy after failure of fertilization in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Abstract

精索静脈瘤根治術が精液所見あるいはハムスター卵貫通試験の成績を改善させることはひろく知られている。しかしこれらは, 体外授精の成功率とは相関しない。そこで, 精索静脈瘤根治術の体外授精におよぼす影響を調べる目的で, 高度の乏精子症を呈する夫が精索静脈瘤を有し, かつ体外授精に失敗した13組の夫婦を追跡した。この13組は, 夫の精索静脈瘤根治術終了後再び体外授精を試みた。その結果, 術前は妊娠例が認められなかったが, 術後4例に妊娠が確認された。この4例においては, 精子濃度および運動率は上昇した

Although varicocelectomy is generally believed to improve semen quality and the hamster egg penetration assay, these parameters do not correlate well with in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. The effect of varicocelectomy on IVF of human oocytes was examined on thirteen couples with normal female fertility, but severe oligozoospermia and the presence varicocele in the males with failure of fertilization preoperatively in in vitro fertilization-embryo of transfer (IVF-ET) attempts. The couples were readmitted for the IVF-ET procedure following varicocelectomy. A 31% pregnancy rate was achieved after the operation, while no pregnancies occurred before surgery. Sperm density and motility improved significantly after operation, resulting in a coinciding improved fertilization and pregnancy rates.