Imagine being a young man in India, planning for a future family, only to discover that a seemingly minor issue like varicocele could potentially impact fertility. Varicoceles is a common condition impacting around 15 % of the world’s men. In India, where cultural and familial pressures to have children can be intense, varicoceles can have a profound impact on an individual’s life.
Fortunately, Varicocele Embolisation offers an effective, minimally invasive solution that can address these concerns. Read on to learn what varicoceles are, their symptoms and causes, and why embolisation might be the right treatment option for you.
A varicocele is the enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins, that can develop in the legs. These veins become swollen due to improper blood flow, which causes blood to pool rather than circulate efficiently. It particularly affects men of reproductive age, often going unnoticed until it causes discomfort or fertility issues.
Varicoceles can vary in severity, with some men experiencing no symptoms at all. However, for those who do, common symptoms include:
The exact cause of varicoceles is yet to be discovered, but it is believed to be related to malfunctioning valves within the gonadal veins. These valves are supposed to regulate blood flow, but when they fail, blood pools in the veins, causing them to enlarge. This condition tends to develop during puberty, and due to the anatomy of the male reproductive system, it more commonly affects the left side.
For many years, the primary treatment for symptomatic varicoceles was surgery. Microvaricocelectomy is currently one of the most advanced surgical options. It is a highly precise procedure that allows for careful ligation of the affected veins, using a surgical microscope to minimise the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
This is an advanced version of the traditional varicocelectomy. The surgeon uses a microscope to magnify the veins, allowing for precise ligation while preserving nearby arteries and lymphatic vessels.
While microvaricocelectomy can be effective in relieving symptoms and improving fertility, it is not without risks. Potential complications include infection, hydrocele formation (fluid buildup around the testicle), and recurrence of the varicocele. Recovery from surgery typically takes a few weeks, during which patients may experience discomfort and limitations in physical activity.
Varicocele embolisation is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. It involves blocking the blood flow to the affected veins using tiny coils or a sclerosing agent, which causes the veins to collapse and reduces the varicocele.
The procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia. It involves inserting a catheter into a vein in the groin or neck. Patients are awake but sedated, so they remain comfortable throughout the procedure. The embolisation material is released to block the affected veins after the catheter is inserted and guided to the varicocele. This blocks the blood flow, causing the veins to shrink and eventually be absorbed by the body.
The benefits of varicocele embolisation include:
Varicocele embolisation is particularly beneficial for patients who are looking for a less invasive option with minimal downtime. It is also ideal for individuals who have a recurrence of varicoceles after surgery or those who are at a more heightened risk for surgical complications.
The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort. Any post-procedural pain is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
While both embolisation and surgery can be effective in treating varicoceles, there are some key differences:
After the procedure, patients are usually observed for a few hours before being discharged. They should avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days but can otherwise resume their routine.
Varicocele embolisation is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment option for men suffering from varicoceles. It offers significant advantages over traditional surgery, including shorter recovery times and reduced risk of complications. If you are experiencing symptoms of a varicocele, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to explore your treatment options, including embolisation.
If you suspect you have a varicocele or are experiencing related symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Consult with Dr Akhil Monga, a leading specialist in varicocele treatment, to discuss your options and find relief. Contact him and discover how embolisation can provide effective and minimally invasive relief.
