What is Varicolcele?

Varicocele describes a condition with swollen and enlarged veins in the scrotum. These veins carry blood from the testicles that is low in oxygen and nutrients. Swelling can happen when blood floods backwards in the veins. Varicoceles are similar to varicose veins in the leg. It is not known why varicoceles develop. They may be associated with accelerated sexual organ growth in young boys, but not specific risk factors have been determined.

Symptoms

Varicoceles usually have now symptoms. In rare cases, it may cause pain, which may:

• Exacerbated by increased activity
• Prolonged standing or straining
• Worsen over the course of the day
• Relieved when you lie on your back

Indications for Treatment

Surgery may be recommended if:

• The affected testicle is small
• There exist other conditions associated that could affect fertility
• Varicocele is present in both testicles
• The sperm is not healthy (in older adolescents)
• Pain, market swelling, or physical discomfort is present

Treatment options

• Surgery – blocks enlarged vein draining from the testicles under general anaesthetics
  • Option 1: Microsurgery – inguinal ligation
  • Option 2:  Keyhole surgery – laparoscopic ligation
• Option 3: Embolisation – performed by radiology doctors under local anaesthetics

Anaesthetics

• Option 1 and 2: Surgery usually means you are put to sleep with general anaesthesia.
• Option 3: Ebolisation uses local anaesthesia, which is less invasive, but it involves x-rays, so you will be exposed to radiation.

Common complications

Hydrocele formation: collection of fluid around the testicle

• Reduced function of the testicle
• Shrinking of the testicle

Outcomes

It will take saver months after surgery before improvements in sperm quality can be seen in semen analysis.

Recovery

It may take 1-2 weeks to return to work after surgery.
Pain from this surgery is usually mild. The doctor may prescribe pain medications for a few days.