Varicocele Treatment
Treatment is offered to men who have:
- Fertility problems
- Pain that increases with standing or physical activity
- Pain that worsens over the course of the day
- Swelling, particularly in warmer temperatures
- The left testicle growing more slowly than the right
- Abnormal semen analysis
There are a variety of treatment approaches for varicoceles, including surgical ligation where the abnormal veins are removed.
At New England Endovascular Center, we offer embolization of the varicocele, a cutting-edge, minimally-invasive technique that avoids the need for surgery or that can be used in patients that have failed surgery.
Varicocele Embolization employs use of live x-ray to guide a small catheter from the jugular vein at the neck or the femoral vein at the groin to the abnormal testicular veins responsible for this condition. Once the placement of the catheter is confirmed in the appropriate location, the vein is shut down using a combination of tiny metallic coils, as well as a chemical sclerosant. This causes the vein to clot and therefore shrivel, eliminating the abnormal blood flow causing the varicocele.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS VS. RISKS OF VARICOCELE EMBOLIZATION?
There are a variety of benefits to Varicocele Embolization. The procedure is performed at our outpatient center and is safe, fast, and allows patients to return home the same day with minimal discomfort. There are neither stitches nor residual scars after the procedure.
BENEFITS:
- Local anesthesia or moderate sedation
- Procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, so you can go home that day
- The tiny pinhole incision does not require stitches
- Quick recovery time
- Superior outcomes, with marked reduction in pain and lower risks
RISKS
- Insertion site may bleed or become infected
- Adverse reaction to contrast material
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR VARICOCELE EMBOLIZATION?
Varicocele Embolization is warranted when your related symptoms are negatively impacting your lifestyle. If you are a good candidate for varicocele embolization, then these minimally invasive procedures could help restore blood flow and allow you to get back to your normal, daily life!
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?
First, you will meet with Dr. Kahn for a consultation to discuss your symptoms and medical history. Pending any further diagnostic tests, he will provide treatment recommendations. If varicocele embolization is warranted, our friendly staff will help you schedule the procedure.
Dr. Kahn will need to know which medications you are taking — he will tell you which medications to take and which ones not to take on the day(s) leading up to the procedure.
Also, please tell Dr. Kahn if you:
- Cannot take aspirin
- Have any allergies
- Have a history of bleeding problems
- Are planning to have any other surgeries or dental work performed soon
Dr. Kahn may instruct you take aspirin and other medications for several days prior to your procedure. These medications will help prevent blood clots from forming during the procedure.
You may be asked to not eat nor drink anything for a period of time before your procedure. If your doctor wants you to take your regular medications, you may take them with a little water. Please discuss this with our staff first.
After arriving and checking in with our front staff, our nurse will take you back to the prep/recovery room, and get everything set up for you in preparation for the procedure. A bedside locked cabinet and key are provided for your personal items.
An IV will be secured into your hand or forearm, allowing easy medication access for moderate sedation and pain control.
Later, our staff will safely transport you into the surgical room and prep you for the procedure. You’ll notice surgical drapes placed over much of the surrounding area. This keeps the surface area sterile and clean. In addition, the skin of your groin will be cleansed, in attempts to decrease chances of infection. A numbing medication will be injected into your skin in the right groin. Dr. Kahn will make a small, painless pinhole nick in your skin to create an opening for the catheter to go through your skin barrier. Continuous x-ray guidance is used to guide the catheter for proper positioning. While this procedure should not be painful, you may feel pressure. Procedure times can vary depending on patient anatomy and circumstances
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FROM VARICOCELE EMBOLIZATION?
Immediately following your procedure, you will rest in our post-recovery area where our nurses will monitor your heart rhythm and blood pressure. Pressure may be applied to the pinhole incision site to stop further bleeding. This site might be bruised and sore, and you may need to lie in bed with your leg straight for several hours. In some cases, Dr. Kahn may use a device that seals the small pinhole in the artery, allowing you to move around more quickly. The catheter insertion site will be monitored for any changes in color, temperature, or sensation.
You can expect to stay at NEEC for approximately 4-6 hours following the procedure. Heathy snacks and drinks will be provided at this time. You’ll need to make arrangements to have someone drive you home once you have been discharged. Be sure to follow Dr. Kahn’s discharge instructions about taking your medications.
Once home, please be sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids. We suggest that you avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercising for at least 24-48 hours.
WE CAN HELP!
New England Endovascular Center offers expertise, state-of-the-art imaging, and resources for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Male Varicocele. We customize each patient’s treatment plan to maximize the best possible outcome. We are committed to providing excellent, personal patient care.
Call our office today to schedule a consultation at 413-693-2852.
Our providers are nationally recognized experts in minimally invasive therapies for treating Male Varicoceles.
We provide treatment for patients with Male Varicoceles throughout Western, MA and Northern, CT.
To learn more about treatments available at New England Endovascular Center call 413-693-2852 to make an appointment.