What is a Varicocele?
Dilated scrotal veins can be a common problem for men and come with many problems.
Veins bring blood back to the heart. In the scrotum if the vein(s) get enlarged, the blood can pool causing a varicocele.
This can be from weak valves within the veins, which help move the blood. It can also be caused by veins that did not form properly within the scrotum. The blood can get backed up within the veins causing pain, swelling, heaviness, enlarged scrotum or a sense of fullness within the scrotum. This can get worse when standing, walking, or sitting for long periods of time.
Varicocele’s can be a significant factor in male infertility, making it difficult to have children. They are more common in men who have a family history of varicose veins.
Roughly 10-15% of adult males and 19-26% of teens are affected.
Vein Embolization
- Conscious sedation is given prior and throughout the procedure to assist with relaxation and comfort.
- A small incision is made into a vein, usually the large vein on the right side of the neck.
- Using an x-ray camera, a small catheter is then guided into the veins supplying the scrotum.
- A vein irritant (which burns the veins) along with small coils are placed within the enlarged, unhealthy veins to stop blood supply to them.
- Procedure time is around 1 hour.
- All equipment is removed and a small bandage covers the site, which can be removed in 48 hours.
Benefits of Vein Embolization:
- It is a non-surgical approach/minimally invasive
- Short recovery time (typically 24-48 hours)
- High success rate (over 90%)
- Can resolve pain and swelling
- Can also improve the sperm quality and aid with fertility
Other Treatment Options
Varicocelectomy
Varicocelectomy is a surgical approach in which the abnormal veins can be tied off or clipped. This is usually treated from a laparoscopic approach, which is more invasive and requires a longer healing time.
Disadvantages of Varicocelectomy:
- Treated from laparoscopic approach
- Invasive procedure
- Requires longer healing time
