Varicocele Embolization
A varicocele is an abnormally dilated cluster of veins in the scrotum, most often affecting men between the ages of 15 and 40. This condition arises when the valves in the gonadal vein fail to function properly, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins of the scrotum (known as the pampiniform plexus). While varicoceles are typically more common on the left side, they can affect one or both testicles.
Symptoms and Risks
Most varicoceles are small, asymptomatic, and don’t require treatment. However, in some cases, they can cause chronic scrotal pain, heaviness, and swelling. If left untreated, varicoceles can lead to testicular atrophy (shrinking) and impaired function, and they are also a common cause of male infertility.
Diagnosis: Varicocele diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination, often confirmed using a non-invasive ultrasound to assess the pampiniform plexus. In some cases, additional imaging such as a CAT scan may be necessary to examine veins not visible through ultrasound.
Treatment Options
Historically, varicocele treatment involved surgery where a urologist made an incision in the scrotum to tie off the problematic vein. While effective, this procedure requires general anesthesia and can take up to three hours.
A modern alternative is Percutaneous Gonadal Vein Embolization, a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. During this 60-90 minute outpatient procedure, the IR accesses the vein via a needle-sized puncture in the neck or groin. Using catheters and imaging, the IR blocks the problematic vein by deploying an embolic agent such as coils, plugs, or foam, stopping the backward flow of blood.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from gonadal vein embolization is quick, with most patients able to resume normal activities within an hour. Discomfort is minimal, and most patients only require over-the-counter pain relief for a few days. Full symptom relief typically occurs within a few weeks to two months.
Request an appointment
Schedule a consultation with our expert interventional radiology team to learn more and find out if this innovative treatment is right for you.
