Varicocele Repair Procedure - Information and Benefits

Varicocele repair is a surgical procedure performed to treat varicoceles, which are enlarged veins in the scrotum that can cause pain and infertility.

Varicocele repair FAQ

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What is varicocele surgery?

Varicocele surgery, also known as varicocelectomy, describes three different surgical techniques that are typically performed on an outpatient basis. Both men and boys may be candidates for treatment. Each type of surgery aims to restore normal blood flow to the testicle by blocking or cutting off these enlarged veins.

Can varicoceles be treated?

Often, varicoceles are not treated. Treatment is offered for males who have: There are no drugs to treat or prevent varicoceles. But pain killers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may help with pain. When needed, surgery is the main form of treatment. Embolization (briefly blocking the veins) is a non-surgical treatment option.

What is a varicocele in men?

A varicocele occurs when there's a swelling in the vein that runs along the structural tube that supports the testicles, called the spermatic cord. Many men with a varicocele have no symptoms, and the condition does not always require treatment.

What are the risks of surgery to repair a varicocele?

The risks of surgery to repair a varicocele include: Varicocele embolization, another procedure to treat varicocele, blocks the vein around the spermatic cord to prevent blood flow. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted into the femoral vein (a large blood vessel located in the groin) and guided to the varicocele using X-rays.

Do men with a varicocele need surgery?

Many men with a varicocele have no symptoms, and the condition does not always require treatment. But when repair is needed, surgery is the primary approach to relieve symptoms and prevent other complications, such as infertility and shrinkage of the affected testicle (s).

How effective is varicocele surgery?

Surgery is generally performed when the swelling of the veins causes chronic pain or male infertility. Although effective in relieving testicular pain, there remains considerable debate as to how effective varicocele surgery is in restoring male fertility. What Is Varicocele Surgery?

Can a varicocele be repaired?

If a varicocele is repaired during adolescence, the affected testicle (s) may grow to normal size. In adulthood, however, repairing a varicocele will not reverse atrophy. Then a urologist will use other factors in deciding whether to repair the varicocele in adults, such as the level of discomfort and infertility.