What are Varicoceles?
Varicoceles occur when the veins in the scrotum become enlarged due to reversal of blood flow. They are often described as ‘spaghetti’ or a ‘bag of worms’ due to their appearance. They more commonly affect the left side and can cause pain, reduced testicular size and infertility.
How is Varicocele diagnosed?
A doctor can often detect enlarged veins in the scrotum upon examination, however the diagnosis is confirmed through a scrotal ultrasound. If a varicocele is suspected of contributing to infertility, a semen analysis and blood tests may also be recommended.
Varicocele treatment options
There are a number of treatment options available including embolisation or surgery. Varicocele embolisation is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that involves blocking the dysfunctional veins.
What is Varicocele Embolisation?
Varicocele Embolisation is a effective, non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic Varicoceles that involves blocking abnormal veins. Embolisation is most commonly performed to treat painful varicoceles, however, it may also be used as a treatment for infertility.
The procedure can usually be performed as a day case with a mild “twilight” sedation and local anaesthetic, with a more rapid recovery compared to surgery. A needle is inserted into the veins in the neck or groin and the procedure typically takes less than an hour.
Recovery involves some mild pain as the veins “close down” that may last for 1-2 weeks but is typically managed with simple analgesia/anti-inflammatory medications.
Benefits of Varicocele Embolisation
There are numerous benefits of Varicocele Embolisation as a treatment approach, including:
Minimally invasive
Varicocele Embolisation is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure. A tiny catheter is inserted into the neck or groin, avoiding the need for a surgical incision in the scrotum.
Success Rate
Embolisation has a success rate of over 95%, meaning it is just as effective as surgical procedures.
Recovery time
Whilst recovery can take 2-3 weeks for surgical procedures, most embolisation patients can return to regular, non-strenuous activities within 24 – 48 hours.
Pain and Symptom Improvement
Over 90% of patients experience relief from scrotal pain and congestion.
Reduced Risk of Complications
As a non-invasive procedure, embolisation avoids risks associated with surgery such as infection of the surgical site, and a does not usually require a general anaesthetic.
In Summary
Varicocele Embolisation is a safe and equally effective alternative to surgical intervention for pain and infertility, but with a faster recovery and fewer risks and side effects.
Queensland Varicocele Embolisation Specialists
Vascular Interventional Radiology Queensland (VIRQ) is a specialist vascular interventional radiology service with leading Queensland Interventional Radiologists. We are highly skilled and passionate specialists experienced in Varicocele Embolisation procedures. Speak with your GP or specialist about a referral to VIRQ to learn more about varicocele embolisation.