Vein Practice

A varicocele is a collection of swollen or varicose-like veins in the scrotal sac. It is caused by a damaged valve in the vein, draining blood from the testicle. The exact cause of the valve damage is unknown. About 15% of healthy young men have a varicocele but most are unaware of it.

Symptoms

Occasionally a varicocele can grow to a size where it can cause discomfort in the scrotum and even aching pain. The presence of a varicocele has been associated with infertility but there is insufficient evidence to confirm this.

TREATMENT

Embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat the varicocele. Under X-ray guidance the vein coming from the testicle is blocked, thus reducing the blood supply from the varicocele and stops it from growing. In time, the varicocele will completely resolve. This minimally invasive procedure does not require overnight hospital stay and can be done under local anaesthetic alone, or with minimal sedation. There is some evidence to suggest that embolisation can significantly improve fertility.

This image shows coil embolisation of left varicocele

Open surgery to remove the varicocele is now much less frequently undertaken and is generally associated with more potential complications.

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