Varicoceles are dilated testicular veins. This is usually due to an abnormality of the valves of the veins draining the testes. If these valves don’t function properly, the veins enlarge and can result in pain or pressure symptoms. There is debate about whether varicoceles are associated with male infertility.
Embolization is a non-surgical method to treat varicoceles using either special metal coils or foam to block the abnormal vein while preserving the normal veins. Embolization is done by a specialized interventional radiologist as a day case procedure. The patient is usually discharged home a few hours after the procedure.
Varicocele embolization is performed via a small cut in either the neck or groin. A catheter is then placed in the testicular veins using x-rays to guide the interventional radiologist. The abnormal veins are then blocked using coils or foam under the guidance of x rays to allow targeted treatment of the abnormal veins.
A varicocele can cause discomfort in the scrotum, which is often worse when standing or exercising. They are sometimes diagnosed during the investigation of infertility and treatment may help sperm count.
