Varicocele

A varicocele is a dilatation of the veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the legs. It can affect one or both sides, more often on the left side, and can be associated with pain, shrinkage of the testicle, or infertility. Varicocele is a benign and curable condition with various excellent available options such as repair, laparoscopy, and minimally invasive techniques like embolization and sclerotherapy.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic varicocelectomy is a modern, minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat varicoceles. To locate and ligate the afflicted veins, tiny instruments and a camera are inserted through tiny abdominal incisions during the procedure.

The advantages of this procedure are faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and great results in enhancing fertility and reducing chronic scrotal pain.

Conventional Surgery

Conventional open varicocelectomy is the typical open surgery technique performed to cure varicoceles. A small cut is made in the groin to access and occlude the dilated veins responsible for the varicocele. While more invasive than the laparoscopic method, open surgery is effective and commonly practiced, particularly in the absence of laparoscopic facilities. Recovery is slightly more time-consuming, and more postoperative pain is possible with this method, but the results in both improvement in fertility and alleviation of pain are very favorable.

Interventional Radiology - Embolization

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive, imaging-guided treatment by an interventional radiologist. A small catheter is put in through a groin vein and guided to the problem vein in the affected testicle. Once positioned, coils are applied to shut off the abnormal blood flow.

This is a minimally invasive treatment, done under local anesthesia, and is commonly associated with rapid recovery. It is particularly beneficial in those patients who prefer to avoid surgery.

Antegrade Scrotal Sclerotherapy

Antegrade sclerotherapy is another minimally invasive method that is used under local anesthesia. A small incision is created in the scrotum. A thin needle is placed directly into the dilated vein, and a sclerosing agent is injected in the same direction of blood flow (“antegrade”) to close the abnormal veins. This is rapid, with low complication rate. It is an excellent choice in selected patients, especially in the hand of skilled surgeons.