Varicocele Repair

What is a Varicocele?

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum, it’s similar to a varicose vein which can occur in the leg. A varicocele is a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can cause infertility. Varicoceles can cause the shrinkage of the testicles. Varicocele don’t occur suddenly, rather they appear slowly over time.

Often a varicocele doesn’t need treatment, unless it causes symptoms which can be repaired surgically. If you are experiencing the symptoms from a Varicocele contact your urologist to make an appointment.

Symptoms of Varicocele

Often varicoceles are painless and there are no symptoms present. Common symptoms are experiencing pain which may:

  • Vary from a dull pain, discomfort or a feeling of fullness, to a sharp pain.
  • Increase when you are sitting, standing or exercising.
  • Worsens over the course of a day.
  • Be relieved when lying down on your back.
  • Symptoms of a varicocele may become noticeable with time.

What Causes Varicoceles?

Varicoceles form due to the small valves inside the veins of the spermatic cord not functioning and preventing blood from flowing correctly. The backup of blood causes the veins to widen.

Tests and Diagnosis of varicocele

Your urologist will do a physical exam checking your testicles for swollen or abnormal enlargement of your veins. If your exam is inconclusive your urologist may order a scrotal ultrasound, which will make precise images and measurement of structures and also to be sure there are no other causes of your condition.

Treatment and Medications for varicocele

Often many patients do not require any treatment if your varicocele doesn’t cause any pain, enlargement to your scrotum or infertility. You may undergo Vericocele repair if your vericocele causes pain, swelling or you have fertility issues.

Varicocele repair procedures may include:

  • Open surgery: this procedure is done on an outpatient basis using general or local anesthetic. The purpose of this procedure is to seal off the affected vein and to redirect the blood flow into normal veins.
  • Laparoscopic surgery: Your urologic surgeon will make a tiny incision in your abdomen and pass a small instrument through the incision to see and to repair the varicocele.
  • Percutaneous Embolization: with this procedure a radiologist will insert a tube into a vein in your groin to pass an instrument in order to view your enlarged veins on a monitor. The urologic surgeon will release a coil or a solution that will create a blockage of the damaged vein, redirecting the blood flow and repairing the varicocele.

Pain from these surgeries are generally painless or you may experience mild pain which your urologist will prescribe a pain medication to relieve the discomfort. Normally you may return to normal activities within two days.

Varicoceles are relatively easy to repair. Why put up with the pain and discomfort of a varicocele when you can call the best urologist in NYC today, to make an appointment for a consultation.

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