What is varicocele embolization?
Varicocele embolization is a type of medical procedure. It diverts blood away from an enlarged vein in your scrotum. Such a vein is called a varicocele. It can cause pain, infertility, and swelling. A radiologist uses a coil or special agents to block (or embolize) the vein. This can help improve symptoms.
Your scrotum is the sac that contains your testes, blood vessels, and part of your spermatic cord. Sperm are normally made in the testes. They travel through the spermatic cord’s duct system. From there, the sperm are ejaculated through the urethra. A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the group of veins within your scrotum. These veins are similar to varicose veins found in the legs. Poorly functioning valves in these veins may cause the vessels to swell.
Why might I need varicocele embolization?
Varicoceles usually don’t have any symptoms. In teens, they may cause slowed growth of the testicles. They may also cause pain and swelling. And they can also lead to infertility. You may get treatment due to your symptoms or because of infertility. Surgery and varicocele embolization are the 2 main treatments. Both choices have similar success rates. But the recovery time from embolization is usually shorter. That’s because it uses only a tiny needle stick. You also don’t need to be put to sleep for it.
Benefits of Varicocele Embolization.
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that:
- Requires NO general anesthesia (only local anesthesia)
- Results in NO scarring
- Requires NO overnight stay (same day procedure)
With varicocele embolization, you can expect: - Success rates of 90%, similar to surgical techniques
- Quicker recovery time; days vs. weeks as compared to open surgery
- Reduced risk of infection
- Ease in making scheduled appointments at an outpatient center
- A same day procedure, allowing you to recover at home
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