The disease of Scrotal Veins and a common cause of Male infertility. Varicocele causes decrease in the count and sperm motility resulting in male infertility. Until now Surgery is the only option and had lot of complications associated with it. Varicocele embolization is the latest non surgical minimal invasive treatment with very little side effects.
Varicocele embolization takes approximately 30 minutes, needs no hospitalization. Normal work can be resumed the very next day.
What is a varicocele?
A varicocele is an enlargement of veins within the scrotum in males. They typically form during puberty. They most commonly are seen on the left side, however most men can have varicoceles on both sides.
Healthy veins return blood to the heart through one-way valves, allowing blood to travel toward the heart.
Disease veins have weakened valves, letting blood flow backwards, leading to pooling in the veins. It is similar to the varicose veins in the legs, varicocele happens inside the scrotum near the testis.
What are the symptoms of Varicocele?
Most varicoceles don’t cause any symptoms and can be left untreated without causing any harm. However, many cases result in:
Pain: Dull or sharp pain that gets worse when standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
Infertility: Varicoceles may lead to a decreased sperm count (Oligospermia/Azoospermia), low sperm movement (Asthenospermia), or more sperm that are deformed (Teratospermia).
Testicular Atrophy: Shrinkage of one or both testicles.
Enlargement: Varicoceles may swell and become more noticeable over time.
How is varicocele diagnosed?
A physical examination by the doctor can detect varicocele by the appearance of the enlarged scrotum and the bag of worms feeling on palpation next to testicles.
An Ultrasound examination with doppler study will be performed to check the severity of varicocele and to exclude any other underlying causes in the testis.
What is Varicocele embolization?
Traditionally varicocele is treated by the surgery. Recently a more precise surgical option of micro-varicocelectomy is also being performed in few advanced medical centres. However Varicocele embolization is far more advanced and has very little to no side effects.
A small catheter is inserted into your arm.
Smaller catheter is inserted further down into the gonadal vein (testicular vein).
Blocking agent- coils and/or sclerosing agents are inserted within the gonadal vein blocking the damaged vein - Which causes normal healthy veins to develop.
Patient can be sent home immediately after the procedure.
What are the advantages of Embolization over Surgery?
No surgical incision - No scars, No bleeding
No general anesthesia - No complications of anesthesia
Low rate of complications
Less recovery time
Men are usually able to return to work the very next day with relief of symptoms
More reading resources:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/varicocele-embolization https://www.sirweb.org/patient-center/male-infertility/