What Is Varicocele?

What Is Varicocele?

Varicocele is a health condition that occurs as a result of the enlargement of the veins adjacent to the testicles. It usually occurs in men, but it can also occur in women. As a result of the enlargement of the veins adjacent to the testicles, varicocele causes the testicle to overheat and disrupts the flow of fluid and blood within the testicle.

In men, varicocele most often affects one or both testicles. It usually has symptoms of pressure or heaviness and pain, and it is more commonly seen in young men.

Did You Know That Varicocele Accounts for 40% of Male Infertility?

If left untreated, varicocele can result in low sperm count, deterioration in sperm quality, azoospermia, and severe pain.

Varicocele is identified by Doppler ultrasonography following a detailed physical examination. There are many options for varicocele treatment, such as surgery and surgical procedures. Generally, the most suitable treatment option is selected according to the patient's condition, and treatment is started.

How Is Varicocele Diagnosed?

Varicocele is generally diagnosed through physical examination, ultrasonography, or blood flow measurements. Physical examination is an observation made by a doctor and is used to identify the symptoms of varicocele.

Color Doppler ultrasonography is an effective diagnostic method for showing the enlargement of the vein and the backflow of blood.

When Should Varicocele Be Treated?

If left untreated, varicocele can lead to serious complications. For this reason, you should see a doctor immediately whenever even the slightest possible symptoms appear.

Varicocele treatment is required when the vein diameter measured on Doppler is markedly increased, as well as when there are clinical complaints and a decrease in sperm count, deterioration of sperm morphology, or infertility.

How Is Varicocele Treated in Interventional Radiology?

First, color Doppler ultrasound is used to determine on which side the venous leak causing the varicocele is located. Then, the testicular vein is reached from the groin or neck vein using special catheters. Within the testicular vein, microcatheters are placed in the proper position. Through these microcatheters, special embolization materials called coils are placed inside the vein to close it.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and lasts approximately 30 minutes. The patient may be discharged 4-6 hours after the procedure. The next day, they can resume normal daily activities.

Treatment is performed by Interventional Radiology specialists. For example, Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Hilmi Aksoy is experienced in this field.

What Are the Advantages of Percutaneous Varicocele Treatment Over Other Treatments?

In this procedure performed by interventional radiology, the patient does not receive general anesthesia, there is no surgical scar in the groin area, and no chronic pain is experienced at the incision site associated with surgery. Hospital admission is not required. There is no restriction on physical activity.

It carries a lower risk of complications compared to surgery, and the recovery process is shorter.

To get more information about varicocele and treatment options, you can fill out the form below or make an appointment directly from our appointment page. You can determine the most suitable treatment plan by consulting with our expert physicians.