varicocoele info

Varicocoele

Varicocoeles are odd swellings of the veins around the testicle and are very common. The basic problem is failure of a valve between the vein which drains the testicle into the main veins higher up in the body. Due to the fact that men do not develop entirely symmetrically, it is much more common to have a varicocoele on the left side.

In some men, varicocoeles are associated with either testicular discomfort or infertility. However it is important to realise that treatment will not always improve these problems, but about 70% of men with varicocoeles and low sperm counts will see a benefit, and around 60% of men with pain will be likely to improve.

There are several ways to treat varicocoeles, which are best confirmed by ultrasound. The traditional way of dealing with a varicocoele was by making a cut in the groin region and dividing the veins at this level. This does however run the risk of causing numbnss or worsened discomfort in the testicle in a small number of men.

My approach is that men with a varicocoele on only the left side can be treated by either embolisation, where a fine tube is threaded via the right groin to the testicular vein and the vein is blocked off using small metal coils. Embolisation has around a 75% long term success rate.

If men wish a higher chance of success with a single procedure, In failed embolisations or where the varicocoele is on the right or on both sides, we recommend laparoscopic varicocoele repair. This involves passing a telescope via the abdomen and dividing the abnormal veins inside the body. Although it requires general anaesthesia it has a very high cure rate with only a small risk of side effects and can usually be done as a day case. In men with pain which is difficult to define this can also be a good option since a hernia can be confidently excluded and if necessary treated by the same approach. So far in my hands this has a cure rate in excess of 95%.

Varicocoele operation information sheet

What is a Laparoscopic varicocoele ligation?

You have been diagnosed as having a varicose vein affecting the testicle on one or both sides and it has been decided to fix this. Varicocoeles may cause trouble with either pain or with abnormal sperm counts. Although the varicocoele presents as a problem in the scrotum the primary abnormality is in fact in a vein valve up the level of the kidney and the operation is designed to divide any abnormal veins inside the abdomen before they come down to the testicle. Laparoscopic varicocoele ligation is a key hole operation to remove the abnormal communications between the top of the testicular vein and the lower part.

Why do I need a Laparoscopic Varicocoele Repair?

This operation may be being carried out either for an abnormal sperm count or for a pain depending on your individual situation and this will have been discussed with you.

What sort of anaesthetic is required?

The procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. Patients stay in hospital overnight or go home later the same day.

What side effects can occur?

All operations can have some side effects such as infection or bleeding: With Laparoscopic varicocoele repair, the risk of converting to an open operation for such problems is less than one in fifty. Rarely a collection of fluid swelling around the testicle may develop (a hydrocoele). This is in no way harmful but can occasionally require corrective surgery at a later date. With any operation on the veins to the testicle or the artery to the testicle there is a theoretical risk of the blood supply to the testicle being damaged and the testicle diminishing in size. This risk is less than 1 in 100 with laparoscopic varicocoele repair. Lastly no operation is absolutely failsafe but in our series at Kings College Hospital we have so far had a success rate of greater than 95% in terms of treating the varicocoele. The effects on sperm count and pain are less easy to predict, and need to be discussed with each patient on an individual basis.

How is the operation done?

A small cut is made in the tummy button and a telescope is introduced which allows surgical instruments to be placed through other 5mm incisions in the lower abdomen. The veins draining the testicle are identified, dissected out and clipped with small metal clips prior to being divided. If possible I try to preserve the artery to the testicle but this does not in fact seem to be of great importance in the majority of cases. Finally the small holes in the abdomen are closed with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery Period

You should be well enough to go home a few hours after the surgery or you may prefer to stay overnight.

Some discomfort and swelling around the port sites (holes) is normal after the operation. This usually responds well to simple analgesics; painkillers are usually prescribed for the first few days.

You will require approximately a week off work if you work in an office and two weeks if you are a manual worker..

Wounds

Infection is rare, but always be aware of signs:

* Weeping, oozing wound

* Red, hot wound to touch

* Temperature over 38 degrees

* Bruising or swelling at incision site

If you think that swelling is excessive or the wound begins to bleed and does not stop with gentle pressure after 5 minutes, please contact the hospital.

he advice in this web site is made freely available for general use. The facts and opinions stated cannot however be taken as valid or safe for any individual patient unless specifically instructed by Mr Muir.