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What is a Varicocelectomy?

An apt introduction to varicocelectomy would be to describe the relatively common condition known as varicose veins. Varicose veins occur with the swelling and enlargement of the veins in a patient’s legs to the point that the veins become easily visible under the skin. This condition sometimes occurs in the scrotum and the enlargement is known as a varicocele. Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove varicoceles from the scrotum. The main cause of varicoceles is a malfunctioning of the valves inside the veins, which causes an accumulation of blood in the veins and causes them to expand. Upon a physical examination, a varicocele is said to feel like a bag of worms.

When to go for a Varicocelectomy

Having a varicocele is not in itself reason to have a varicocelectomy. In most instances, the varicocele does not manifest any symptoms. It does not cause pain or interfere with the sexual or reproductive function. In such cases, a urologist will advise that the varicocele be left undisturbed. However, if the varicocele causes any of the following, then a varicocelectomy should be performed.

  1. Reduced sex drive;
  2. Reduced sperm production resulting in inability to conceive
  3. Pain and swelling of the scrotum;
  4. When the varicocele is on the right side — ordinarily varicoceles occur on the left side of the scrotum. When it occurs on the right side, it is likely that it is the result of a tumor. The urologist will remove the tumor and the varicocele.
  5. Testicular atrophy — where the testes shrink or fail to develop normally because of a varicocele.

Procedure of Varicocelectomy

A varicocelectomy is a minor surgical procedure that allows the patient to leave the hospital the same day. It is a procedure involving cutting or sealing off the affected vein to restore normal blood flow. A surgeon can choose to do it in either of two ways:

1. laparoscopic varicocelectomy — a surgeon makes several small incisions in the lower abdomen and inserts the laparoscope, which projects an image of your anatomy on a screen. He also inserts other small tools which he uses to cut the affected vein.

2. Open Surgery — The surgeon makes incisions large enough to access the affected veins and cut them or seal them off.

Even though self examination can reveal a varicocele, the question of whether to undergo a varicocelectomy can only be answered by a urologist. A urologist who has specialized in the treatment of varicoceles, such as those in St. Pete Urology, should be contacted if a patient finds any of the symptoms listed above. For more information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment, visit the “St Pete Urology” website.

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St Pete Urology

Dr. Reid Graves, Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis and Dr. Adam Oppenheim of St Pete Urology are board certified urologists in treating urological diseases with the use of the latest technology available. Contact us at our office in St Petersburg, Florida.

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