Embolization for varicocele
Embolization of the internal spermatic vein in varicocele is a modern, minimally invasive, effective method of treating varicocele (abnormal expansion of testicular veins in the scrotum).
Embolization of the internal spermatic vein in varicocele is a modern, minimally invasive, and effective method of varicocele treatment. A varicocele is an abnormal expansion of the veins of the testicle in the scrotum. It occurs in approximately 15% of the general population, in 35% of men with primary infertility, and in 75-80% of men with secondary infertility. Left-sided varicocele is the most common. The cause of varicocele is the backflow of blood through the internal spermatic vein due to the failure of its valves. This leads to a violation of the nutrition of the testicle which hinders its function.
The decision on the need to treat varicocele is made jointly by a urologist (andrologist, sexologist) and an interventional radiologist based on the preliminary examinations (ultrasound, spermogram). Embolization can be effective in the treatment of varicocele recurrence after previous operations.
How is embolization of the internal spermatic vein performed?
This is a minimally invasive intervention that does not require general anesthesia and is performed in the X-ray operating room. Under local anesthesia, the doctor inserts a special thin catheter (plastic tube) into the venous channel through a small puncture of the skin and, under X-ray control, it reaches the left renal vein, and then the internal spermatic vein. After that, special materials are introduced through it, which clog the vein throughout its length. After completion of the intervention, an aseptic bandage is applied to the puncture site for 2-4 hours.
The advantage of the embolization procedure over the other surgical interventions for treating varicocele is a lower number of recurrences because during the embolization it is possible to see additional (bypass) veins and also clog them so that they do not increase in diameter in the future which may lead to the return of the disease. Another advantage of embolization is the minimal number of complications.
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Часті питання
- You can wear whatever you want when going to the hospital. During the procedure, you
- will be dressed in a hospital gown.
- Leave your valuables at home.
- One day before the arranged date, your doctor or nurse will tell you what you can and сan eat or drink before the procedure.
- Ask your doctor what medications you should take on the day of the procedure.
- Tell your doctor and/or nurses if you are allergic to anything.
- injected during the procedure.
- The procedure is performed in the X-ray operating room. This room is cool and dimly lit.
- You will lie on a special table above which you will see a large camera and several
- monitors.
- When the contrast medium is injected, you may feel heat or notice redness for a few
- seconds. This is normal – these sensations will quickly disappear.
- Catheters and an introducer are removed from the blood vessel. The doctor will press
- the puncture site with a finger and apply a compression bandage.
- The nurse will check your bandage regularly to prevent bleeding.
- After a puncture in the leg, you need to lie in bed for several hours.
- The puncture site may be sensitive.
- You will need to drink plenty of fluid to clear the contrast material from your body.
