Varicocele Surgery

Varicocele surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat varicocele, a condition characterized by enlargement of the vessels inside the scrotum. Varicocele is a vasodilation that occurs as a result of a blockage or weakness in the veins around the testicles.

Varicocele surgery can usually be performed in the following ways:

• Laparoscopic varicocele surgery: In this method, one or more small incisions are made and a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is used to insert surgical instruments. With the help of the laparoscope, the enlarged veins are found and disconnected or the veins are ligated.
• Microsurgical varicocele surgery: In this method, a more precise surgical correction of thin veins is achieved using a microscope. Working under a microscope, the surgeon finds veins and performs repairs.
• Percutaneous embolization: This method uses a minimally invasive procedure performed by a radiologist. A thin catheter is inserted into a vein in the groin or neck and a small plug or sclerosing substance is injected into the enlarged veins to close the veins.

Varicocele surgery is used to reduce or eliminate the symptoms caused by varicocele. Symptoms may include pain and swelling in the testicles, decreased sperm quality, and a risk of infertility. The surgery is performed to restore the blood flow caused by the varicocele and to restore the normal function of the testicles.

Although varicocele surgery is generally a safe procedure, as with any surgical procedure, some risks and complications may occur. These may include infection, bleeding, pain or discomfort in the scrotum, accumulation of fluid in the scrotum, and in rare cases, damage to the nerves at the surgical site.

If you have a concern, such as symptoms of varicocele or infertility, it is important to be evaluated by a urologist or surgeon and learn more about treatment options.

How is Varicocele Surgery Performed?

Varicocele surgery is usually performed by microsurgery or laparoscopic methods. Here are the basic steps of both methods:

Microsurgical Varicocele Surgery:

• The patient is given general or local anesthesia.
• A small incision is made in the lower part of the scrotum.
• Enlarged veins and feeding veins (arteries) are found using the microscope.
• Enlarged veins and feeding vessels are visibly ligated or closed to the naked eye.
• After the procedure is completed, the incisions are carefully closed.

Laparoscopic Varicocele Surgery:

• The patient is given general anesthesia.
• Small incisions are made in the abdomen.
• A laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube) and surgical instruments are inserted.
• With the help of the laparoscope, intra-abdominal organs and veins become visible.
• Enlarged veins and feeding vessels are found and disconnected or closed.
• After the procedure is completed, the incisions are carefully closed.

Both methods are generally used for the same purpose: to reduce or eliminate the symptoms caused by varicocele, to restore the normal function of the testicles and to reduce the risk of infertility. The method chosen may vary depending on the patient’s condition, the severity of the varicocele, and the surgeon’s preference.

In the postoperative period, the patient may stay in the hospital for a few hours or a few days, depending on the surgical method and the patient’s condition. The healing process usually takes a few weeks. Post-surgery, patients are generally recommended to wear supportive underwear for a while and limit physical activities. Temporary side effects such as pain and swelling after surgery are normal.

Varicocele surgery should be performed by a urologist or surgeon. Your doctor will give you detailed information on how to choose the most appropriate treatment option for you and how the surgery will be performed.

Assoc.Prof. Tuncay TAŞ
Urology Specialist
Istanbul/ TURKEY