Varicocele embolization is a medical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to treat enlarged veins (varicocele) associated with the scrotum. Common symptoms caused by a varicocele include pain, swelling, and infertility.
During the procedure, the physician accesses a vein in the upper thigh and advances a small catheter (tube) to the varicocele under x-ray guidance. Coils or other embolic materials are placed within the varicocele to embolize or block the dilated veins. This approach offers patients the advantage of a minimally invasive procedure, leading to quicker recovery time with comparable reduction in pain and increased fertility compared to traditional open surgery.
Minimally Invasive Relief
Targeting varicoceles
Varicoceles are dilated veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the legs, causing fullness and pain. They are often associated with infertility and result from incompetent or dilated gonadal veins. Diagnosed through ultrasound, these problematic veins can be effectively treated by closing down the dilated gonadal veins. This can be accomplished with open surgery or with varicocele embolization.
Recovery and results
Patients undergoing varicocele embolization can anticipate a shorter recovery period and experience a significant reduction in pain. Treatment of a varicocele has been known to improve fertility. Varicocele embolization is a day procedure (no overnight hospital stay) with no need for general anesthesia. If you or your Urologist are considering treatment options, scheduling a consultation with one of our interventional radiologists can help you learn about the benefits of this endovascular approach to treating a varicocele.
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To discover the treatment path for your specific needs, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional radiologists.
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(763) 398-8710
veincenter@mplsrad.com
2800 Campus Drive, Suite 20
Plymouth, MN 55441
