Varicocelectomy Restores Spermatogenesis in Fontan‐Associated Varicocele: A Two‐Case Series

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Authors: Yusuke Tominaga, Tomoko Kobayashi, 松本 裕子, Takatoshi Moriwake, Nariaki Ozaki, Takuya Sadahira, Satoshi Katayama, Shingo Nishimura, Kensuke Bekku, Motoo Araki
Cited by: 1
References: 10

Abstract

Introduction: Fontan circulation may cause chronic venous hypertension and predispose patients to varicocele and infertility, but the clinical significance of surgical treatment remains unclear. Case Presentation: We describe two patients with Fontan circulation who developed Fontan-associated varicocele (FAVC). A 42-year-old man presented with secondary infertility, bilateral varicocele, and progression to azoospermia after Fontan surgery. A 28-year-old man had asthenozoospermia, bilateral varicocele, and repeated failure of assisted reproductive technology. Both underwent bilateral microsurgical varicocelectomy with perioperative heparin bridging. Postoperative semen parameters improved in both patients, with sperm reappearing in the first case. Conclusion: Varicocelectomy for FAVC may restore spermatogenesis in selected cases, but the risk of postoperative recurrence may be increased.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Congenital Heart Disease Studies Vascular anomalies and interventions Liver Disease and Transplantation

Publication details

Journal / source
IJU Case Reports
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
9
Issue
4
Pages
e70206–e70206
Publication date
9 June 2026
Language
EN