Varicocele Repair

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum, the bag that contains the testes. They are similar to varicose veins of the leg and affect a type of vein known as the pampiniform plexus.

The pampiniform plexus is found in the spermatic cord. This cord also holds the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm, and the testicular artery, which transports blood to the testicles.

Varicoceles are found in approximately 10% of men and are invariably found on the left side.

Treatment is often not required and is usually only considered in men with pain and discomfort that it not improved with pain killers or occasionally in men with infertility that is otherwise unexplained.

Treatment options include surgery or embolization.

There are many ways to perform varicocele surgery and all involve blocking the blood flow in the pampiniform plexus.

I perform the procedure on a day case basis under a general anaesthetic. I make an incision in the groin and through that incision I ligate (tie off) all the veins and preserve the vas deferens and testicular artery. The procedure takes approximately 40 minutes.

A haematoma may occur. This is a collection of blood which usually settles down by itself as the blood gets absorbed like a bruise. Rarely an infection may occur. If you develop a fever you should seek medical attention. Ahydrocele which is a fluid build-up around the testicle may occur in a small number of men following surgery.

It is normal to feel some pain after an operation in a sensitive area. I will use some local anaesthetic to numb the area after your operation, but the effect of this will gradually wear off over four hours. I will give you enough pain relief to take home with you, and you should take this regularly for the prescribed period of time.

After surgery you may need to take two weeks off work. You will need to keep the wound dry for one day. After this you will be able to shower as normal. During your recovery phase at home you should not need any other special care. As a precaution I advise no heavy lifting for two to three weeks.

I will write to both you and your GP confirming your follow up arrangements after your varicocele repair. The cost of the post-operative appointment is included in your initial surgical fee. If you have any questions concerning your care after your surgery please contact my rooms on 07 3883 4431.