Varicocele Treatment
Diagnosis, Surgery, and Recovery from Varicocele
Are you experiencing a lump or swelling in your scrotum? You may be suffering from varicocele. Krescent Healthcare offers comprehensive care and treatment for varicocele. Our doctors are highly experienced and trained in both conventional and modern varicocele treatment methods. Get in touch with us today to find out how much varicocele treatment will cost.
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What is Varicocelectomy?
Varicocele is a medical condition in which the veins in the scrotum, the sac that contains the testicles, become enlarged. This happens when the valves within these veins, responsible for regulating blood flow to the heart, weaken or sustain damage, leading to pooling of blood and dilation of the veins. Although the exact cause of varicocele is not entirely understood, it is believed to primarily result from anatomical differences in the veins or malfunctioning valves that prevent blood from flowing back. While varicoceles are most commonly found on the left side of the scrotum, they can also manifest on both sides.
Generally, varicoceles are harmless, but they can sometimes cause complications or discomfort. Common symptoms include a dull ache or pain in the scrotum, especially after physical exertion or prolonged standing, and a feeling of heaviness or drag. Because the increased temperature in the scrotum affects sperm production, some individuals may also experience testicular atrophy (shrinkage) and infertility issues.
Varicocele Treatment Options
Varicocele can be treated surgically or non-surgically, depending on factors such as severity of symptoms, impact on fertility, and individual preferences.
Varicocele, a condition that affects the veins in the scrotum, can be treated surgically through a procedure known as Varicocelectomy. This surgery can be performed using different methods, such as open surgery (through the groin or subinguinal area) or less invasive laparoscopic or microscopic techniques. The goal of this procedure is to redirect blood flow from affected veins to healthier ones, providing relief from symptoms. While open varicocele surgery involves making large incisions in the groyne or scrotum to access the veins, laparoscopic and microscopic techniques offer a minimally invasive option with quicker recovery and reduced chances of recurrence.
It is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist called Varicocele Embolization, also known as percutaneous embolization. The procedure involves inserting a catheter into a vein and blocking the affected veins with coils or sclerosing agents. Embolization is an alternative to surgery, particularly for individuals who do not wish to undergo surgery or prefer a non-surgical approach.
Varicoceles that do not cause significant symptoms or fertility issues may be treated conservatively by reducing discomfort or pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as acetaminophen), scrotal support garments (such as athletic supports or compression underwear), and lifestyle modifications (such as avoiding prolonged standing or strenuous activities) can be used.
The treatment of varicoceles is not always necessary. If the varicoceles are asymptomatic, do not affect fertility, and do not cause significant discomfort, they may be best observed without intervention. To assess any changes in symptoms or fertility status, regular monitoring and follow-ups with the doctor are necessary.
Varicocele Diagnosis
An examination of the medical history, a physical examination, and sometimes additional diagnostic tests are typically used to diagnose varicocele. Below is an overview of the diagnostic process to determine the severity of varicocele and determine the best treatment plan:
Valsalva Maneuver: The Valsalva manoeuvre involves standing up while holding your nose shut and breathing out through your mouth. It helps to find enlarged veins in the scrotum by having the patient take deep breaths while the doctor holds the testicle in his/her palm and feels the scrotum.
Medical History: As part of the examination, the doctor will discuss the patient's symptoms and medical history, as well as any pain, discomfort, or fertility concerns they may be experiencing.
Physical Examination: In order to diagnose varicocele, a physical examination is vital. In addition to inspecting and palpating the scrotum while you stand, your doctor will also look for enlarged or twisted veins as well as the size and consistency of your testicles. Varicoceles typically feel like a "bag of worms" above the testicle because they are characterised by dilated veins.
The doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the varicocele. These tests may include:
Semen Analysis (if fertility concerns exist): Semen analyses may be recommended if the patient is experiencing fertility issues. Varicoceles may affect fertility, but not all men with varicoceles experience infertility. However, this test assesses various parameters of sperm health, including sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Scrotal Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to create detailed images of the scrotum and its structures, which can help visualise dilated veins, determine blood flow, and rule out other conditions.
Doppler Ultrasound: A varicocele ultrasound determines the severity of varicocele by measuring the direction and speed of blood flow in the veins.
The diagnosis will be confirmed by your doctor after reviewing your medical history, physical examination, and any additional tests.
Varicocele Surgery and Recovery
Surgery
When varicocele surgery is performed, an enlarged vein in the scrotum is closed and redirected to healthy veins. The testicle returns to its normal size, and other issues are also resolved.
It is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anaesthesia. Depending on the technique, the procedure may take up to two hours or more depending on the complexity. Depending on the severity of the condition, open varicocele surgery, microscopic surgery, and laparoscopic surgery are the most appropriate techniques.
Recovery
Depending on the specific surgical technique used, the healing ability of the individual, and the extent of the procedure, varicocele surgery can take 2 to 4 weeks to recover. Depending on the type of varicocele surgery, you should expect the following recovery periods:
1. Before returning to work or school, the patient may need to take 1 to 2 weeks off.
2. In most cases, individuals are able to return to normal daily activities within a week or two.
3. Following surgery, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for two to four weeks.
4. In most cases, this procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure, so an overnight hospital stay is not required.
Preparation for Surgery
In order to ensure that the patient is well prepared for surgery, the doctor will provide detailed instructions prior to the procedure. These instructions include the following:
1. Wear clean, comfortable clothes on the day of surgery and take a shower with antibacterial soap.
2. Foods and liquids should not be consumed six to eight hours before surgery, as they may react with anaesthesia and create a risk of aspiration.
3. In order to determine the severity of the condition and the safest treatment approach, the doctor will recommend some tests before surgery.
4. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications and supplements must be discussed with the doctor before surgery, and the doctor will adjust these medications and may recommend avoiding supplements for a while.
5. In order to improve your overall health, you should refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol before surgery.
6. Aspirin and other blood-thinning medications can also increase the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery, so the patient should stop taking them.
Patient should inform the doctor if he is sick, has a cold, or experiences any other issues so that the surgery can be rescheduled.