Varicocele Embolization

Varicocele Embolization

Treatment for:

Symptomatic varicocele

Why it’s done:

A varicocele is a dilated network of veins which occurs in the scrotum, usually on the left side, which can cause pain, swelling, and reduced fertility. Varicocele embolization is a minimally-invasive method of blocking these veins, which relieves these symptoms in a large proportion of patients.

How it’s done:

An interventional radiologist uses ultrasound and X-rays to guide a catheter from the femoral vein in the groin into the gonadal vein (the source of the varicocele). Contrast injection is used to map the vein, and the vein is then occluded by using coils, sclerosants, or other agents.

Level of anesthesia:

Conscious sedation

Risks:

Small risk of bleeding or infection. Small risk of inflammation of the veins in the scrotum