Varicoceles are varicose veins of the testicles and scrotum that can, but don’t always, cause pain, infertility and testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles). Approximately 10-15 percent of all men have varicoceles. They are most prevalent in men ages 15-35. Among infertile couples nearly 30 percent of men have varicoceles.

What Causes a Varicocele?

Varicoceles are caused when the one-way valves in the scrotal veins, which allow blood to flow from the testicles and scrotum back to the heart, become dysfunctional or fail. This causes the blood to pool and the veins around the testicle enlarge to form a varicocele.

If the varicocele causes testicular pain or infertility, there are options available, including minimally invasive treatments. When considering varicocele treatment, make sure to weigh the risks and benefits of each treatment option.

Varicocele embolization is a highly effective, minimally invasive alternative to surgery, performed by an interventional radiologist in an outpatient setting. Varicocele embolization requires only a small nick in the skin that does not need to be stitched and offers a quicker recovery.

What Is Varicocele Embolization

Varicocele embolization, performed by a vascular interventional radiologist, is a minimally invasive procedure that closes off blood flow to the affected veins, causing the varicocele to shrink and die off.

You will be given a mild sedative before the procedure begins to help you relax, as well as a local anesthetic at the procedure site.The interventional radiologist will then insert a catheter through a small nick in your arm/groin and using fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray, image-guided technology. The catheter will be advanced and placed into the affected testicular vein.

Contrast (a type of dye) is injected to help your IR physician visualize your veins so they know exactly where to embolize (block) the varicocele. Your IR physician does this by placing small coils and/or sclerosants (medicine that is injected directly into your veins which irritates the vein and causes them to become occluded). Once this occurs, the vein is blocked and blood flow is now redirected away from the varicocele, so the varicocele will no longer be able to live.
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Who Is a Candidate for Varicocele Embolization?

If you prefer a minimally invasive treatment option, speak with IRCC Pakistan team about varicocele embolization, you may be a candidate for varicocele embolization if you are an adult male and have been diagnosed with a varicocele that is causing you testicular pain, discomfort or infertility.

Benefits of Varicocele Embolization

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that:

• Requires NO general anesthesia (only local anesthesia)

• Results in NO scarring

• Requires NO overnight stay (same day procedure)

With varicocele embolization, you can expect:

• Success rates of 90%, better than surgical techniques

• Quicker recovery time; days vs. weeks as compared to open surgery

• Reduced risk of infection