What is Varicocele Embolization?
Dr. Handley Explains Everything You Need to Know about Varicocele Embolization
Varicocele Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure done under real-time X-ray performed by a specially trained interventional radiologist to treat an enlarged vein (or varicocele) in a man’s scrotum.
Varicocele Symptoms
Sometimes a varicocele will have little to no symptoms and is often only discovered during routine physicals. Many have no significant symptoms, but some can cause pain, discomfort, and infertility. If you’re experiencing scrotal pain and discomfort, notice a difference in the size of your testicles, have a “bag of worms” under the skin of the scrotum, or are having problems with fertility, call our office today (972) 724-2000 or request an appointment online to see Dr. Handley – a leading interventional radiologist in Flower Mound, Texas.
What to Expect During a Varicocele Embolization Procedure
Varicocele Embolization is performed by our interventional radiologist, Dr. Handley, in an outpatient vascular imaging suite.
During the procedure, moderate sedation is provided by an anesthesiologist. Using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), Dr. Handley will insert a very small catheter into the large vein in the groin and maneuver it into the veins supplying the varicocele.
Small metallic coils along with a sclerosing agent are inserted into the vein through the catheter to block the blood flow to abnormal refluxing vein. By blocking the backward flow of blood into the abnormal vein, the blood leaving the testicle will then exit in smaller healthier veins. This will in turn relieve the symptoms of pain, discomfort, and infertility.
Benefits of Varicocele Embolization
As a minimally invasive procedure, Varicocele Embolization has a 90% success rate. Since Varicocele Embolization is performed in an outpatient setting, requires no large incision and therefore no stitches, and utilizes only mild sedation, it provides a quick return to everyday activities (usually about 3-4 days). This is compared to surgical ligation, which utilizes larger incisions in the groin above the scrotum requiring stitches, and has about a 3 week recovery period before normal activities can be resumed.
For more information, call our office today (972) 724-2000 or request an appointment online.
