Selective Extended Venous Stripping Versus Standard Microsurgical Varicocelectomy for Varicocele-… (NCT07605351) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Selective Extended Venous Stripping Versus Standard Microsurgical Varicocelectomy for Varicocele-Related Male Infertility
Egypt160 participantsStarted 2026-06-15
Plain-language summary
Varicocele is a common correctable cause of male infertility and may be associated with abnormal semen parameters, impaired testicular function, and scrotal discomfort. Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy is a commonly used surgical approach because it allows careful preservation of the testicular artery, lymphatic channels, vas deferens, and vasal vessels under magnification. However, persistent or recurrent varicocele may still occur after surgery, possibly because of missed or persistent venous channels.
This randomized controlled trial will compare two surgical techniques in infertile men with clinically palpable varicocele and abnormal semen parameters. Participants will be randomly assigned to either microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy with selective extended venous stripping or standard microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy with conventional vein ligation and division.
The main purpose of the study is to determine whether selective extended venous stripping reduces the rate of clinically and Doppler-confirmed persistent or recurrent varicocele at 12 months after surgery compared with the standard microsurgical technique. The study will also compare semen parameter improvement, pain improvement in participants with baseline pain, pregnancy outcomes, operative time, postoperative complications, and the need for additional treatment during 12 months of follow-up.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
MALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male patients aged 18 to 50 years.
* Couple infertility for at least 12 months.
* Clinically palpable grade I to III varicocele confirmed by physical examination.
* Abnormal semen parameters documented on at least two semen analyses performed 2 to 4 weeks apart according to World Health Organization laboratory standards.
* Female partner evaluation completed or planned, with no untreated severe female factor that would make natural conception impossible.
* Willingness to comply with postoperative follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months.
* Written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Azoospermia or cryptozoospermia, defined as absence of sperm in the native ejaculate on at least two baseline semen analyses, including cases in which sperm are detected only after centrifugation.
* Known clinically significant chromosomal or genetic abnormality that independently explains severe male infertility, when identified before enrollment.
* Previous varicocelectomy of the index side.
* Previous inguinal, scrotal, or retroperitoneal surgery that may alter spermatic cord anatomy.
* Subclinical varicocele only.
* Isolated scrotal pain with normal semen parameters.
* Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism requiring hormonal induction therapy.
* Testosterone therapy within the previous 6 months.
* Use of anti-estrogens, gonadotropins, or aromatase inhibitors within the previous 3 months.
* Active genitourinary infection.
* Testicular tumor or history of testicular cancer.
* Severe…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Persistent or Recurrent Varicocele on the Operated Side