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Varicocele Repair Varicocele is an enlargement of the veins (similar to varicose veins) within the scrotum that drain the testicle. Varicoceles cause increased pooling of blood near the testicles and raise the temperature which can lead to pain, infertility problems and small testicles. Varicocele Repair involves locating the distended veins within the spermatic cord (bundle of vas deferens, veins, arteries and lymphatic vessels); the veins are then bound or tied off to redirect the flow of blood into normal veins.Microscopic Inguinal Varicocelectomy • During the procedure the surgeon makes an incision (1-1.5 inches) in the groin. The surgeon then exposes the spermatic cord and uses a standing microscope to locate the veins that produced the varicocele. The dilated veins are then sequentially cut and tied. The spermatic cord is then placed back into the body and the tissues are closed. • The procedure is outpatient and performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 2 hours. Complications occur in less than 3-5% of patients. Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy • During the procedure the surgeon makes several small openings in the lower abdomen. A thin telescopic device (laparoscope) is inserted and used to locate the veins that need treatment. The veins are then clamped and sealed, and the incisions are closed. • The procedure is outpatient and performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Complications occur in less than 3-5% of patients. Possible complications include: • Accumulation of fluid around the testicle (hydrocele). • Injury to spermatic artery causing the testicles to decrease in size. • Chronic pain in groin or testicles from nerve damage. • Recurrent varicoceles in 5% of patients. • Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis). Please observe the following Pre-Operative Guidelines: • The following medications should be Avoided One Week Prior to the Date of Surgery: All aspirin (ASA) or NSAID’s (Motrin, Advil), Coumadin, Lovenox, Celebrex, Plavix (Please contact us if you are unsure about which medications to stop, Do not stop any medication without contacting your prescribing doctor). • Have nothing by mouth after midnight the night prior to your procedure unless otherwise instructed by the anesthesiologist. After the Procedure: • You can expect to have some pain, minor bruising, discoloration, slight redness, tenderness, and draining of a clear or pink fluid on or around the incision site (you may be prescribed medication for pain). • You may shower/bathe and return to your normal activities in about 2 days. • You may resume sexual activity in about a week. • Please contact us immediately if you experience increased pain, swelling, significant drainage or a fever greater than 101 degrees. • It is also necessary to schedule follow-up visits with us to assess your progress between one and two weeks after the procedure. • If the procedure is being done for fertility, no improvement in your semen analysis should be expected before 6 months. |
