TITLE:
Effect of Varicocelectomy on Gonadal Function among Patients Reporting with Sexual Dysfunction in Ghana
AUTHORS:
Yussif Adams, Akisibadek Alekz Afoko, Nafiu Amidu, Lawrence Quaye, Simon Bannison Bani, Peter Paul M. Dapare, Vivian Afoko
KEYWORDS:
Varicocele, Sub-Inguinal Varicocelectomy, Gonadal Function, Sexual Dysfunction
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Urology,
Vol.12 No.6,
June
10,
2022
ABSTRACT: Background: Long-standing varicocele is often associated with testicular hypoxia and that might worsen Leydig cell function, a significant risk factor for hypogonadism. This may affect both the secretory and endocrine functions of the testis. This study aims to determine the effect of microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy on gonadal function among men reporting sexual dysfunction in Ghana. Methods: This was an intervention study conducted at the Tamale Teaching Hospital from September 2017 to August 2021. A total of 103 participants were randomized into two groups; the surgery group (n = 52) and the observed group (n = 51). Venous blood samples were collected at baseline, varicocelectomy was performed for the surgery group, and no intervention was given to the other. Blood samples were subsequently collected at 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-month intervals for assay of serum total testosterone, FSH, and LH. The data were analyzed in GraphPad Prism (v8.0) at an alpha value of 0.05. Results: All the participants had varicocele and were aged between 55.0 to 69.0 years old. At the baseline of the study, all participants presented with sexual dysfunction but a significant improvement (p Conclusions: Microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy improved gonadal function among varicocele patients reporting sexual dysfunction. It is recommended to use this choice for similar patients; however, these findings should be verified by a multi-institutional study to provide more evidence for this choice.