What is Varicocele Embolisation?

A varicocele is an enlarged bundle of veins in the scrotum, most commonly left-sided. Varicocele embolisation is a minimally invasive operation where the enlarged veins from the testes are blocked off, which reduces pressure on the varicocele.

Why perform Varicocele Embolisation?

Varicoceles are relatively common, however they can cause pain and discomfort, and can contribute to male subfertility. Embolisation of the varicocele is most commonly performed to alleviate the painful symptoms of varicocele, but can also be done to assist male fertility.

How does Varicocele Embolisation work?

Embolisation of the varicocele is usually done under sedation in an operating room with specialised medical imaging equipment. Your interventional radiologist will use an ultrasound to guide a tube into the vein at either the base of the neck or groin crease. They will then pass a catheter (thin plastic tube) into the left gonadal vein. The catheter will be passed down this vein into the pelvis where a combination of sclerosant and soft metal coils will be placed.

By blocking off these poorly functioning enlarged veins, the blood from the testes is directed into normally functioning veins, so reducing the symptoms of the varicocele.

Contact Us

appointments:

For appointment requests, please phone 0497 052 070. For general enquiries, please complete the contact form and a member of the VIRQ team will respond shortly.

Address:

Suite 20, 3 Doherty Street, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia

Phone:

For all appointments and enquiries, please phone: 

Our office is attended Monday - Friday from 9am - 5.30pm.

General Enquiries