Effect of varicocelectomy on serum inhibin B levels in infertile patients with varicocele

Objective. In recent years serum inhibin B level has been proposed as a major indicator for Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis. This study evaluated the effect of varicocelectomy on serum inhibin B levels and semen parameters in infertile patients with varicocele. Material and methods. Thirty consecutive patients with varicocele who were complaining of infertility with oligoasthenospermia on sperm analysis were included in the study. All the patients underwent subinguinal varicocelectomy. Spermogram, serum inhibin B levels and hormone analysis were performed at 6-month postoperative follow-up. Results. The mean age of the patients was 24.063.6 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and testosterone levels of the patients before and after the treatment (p0.05). There was a statistically significant improvement in sperm concentration, forward progressive motility and serum inhibin B levels after the treatment (p0.05). Conclusion. Serum inhibin B level as an endocrine marker combined with a spermogram could provide efficient data for evaluating the effect of varicocelectomy on spermatogenesis.