Increased Body Mass Index in Men With Varicocele Is Associated With Larger Spermatic Vein Diameters When Supine

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) and spermatic vein diameters (SVDs) in men treated for varicocele.

Subjects and methods: One hundred fourteen men who underwent scrotal color duplex ultrasounds prior to microsurgical varicocelectomy were classified as normal (BMI = 18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), or obese (≥30). SVDs were measured with and without Valsalva, standing and supine. SVD, pre- and postoperative semen analyses (SA) were compared.

Results: Forty-six (40.4%) men had normal BMI, 54 (47.3%) were overweight, and 14 (12.3%) were obese. Higher BMI was associated with smaller left testis volume and larger left SVD when supine (with and without Valsalva). The association was absent when standing. Men with higher BMI had smaller differences between their left SVD Valsalva diameters when standing vs supine. There were no differences among BMI classes for right SVD measurements, preoperative SA, and postoperative SA improvement.

Conclusion: Increased BMI is associated with larger left SVD while supine, suggesting that increased abdominal pressure while recumbent may contribute to varicocele pathology in this population. Interestingly, as in the general population, a majority of the men were overweight.